Jerald Nue Popplewell, of Russell Springs, Kentucky passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was 76 years of age. Jerald was a member of Pine Grove Separate Baptist Church and later Jamestown First Baptist Church.
He was born on October 8, 1949, in Somerset, Kentucky to Desoto Popplewell, Jr., and Letha Marie Smith Popplewell Osborne who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Popplewell, and stepfather, Willard Osborne.
Jerald was a 1967 graduate of Russell County High School and later attended Berea College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. He enjoyed a long career in human services including 25 years at Oakwood in Somerset where he began working at its opening in 1972. After retiring in 1997, he extended his career with supported community living agencies including First Source in Somerset, and Outlook and Independent Opportunities in Tennessee. For several years he also worked as a trainer for the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute. He concluded his career as a foster care case manager with NECCO in Somerset.
Jerald was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played basketball for Russell County High School and competed on the swim and soccer teams at Berea College. He later enjoyed coaching youth league soccer, playing racquetball, and cheering on his children during their high school sports activities. More recently, he was an avid UK Wildcats fan serving as a “side-court recliner coach” for every game.
After retirement, Jerald enjoyed his morning breakfast meetings with friends at Eli Country Store, his weekly men’s prayer group, tending to his hay farm, visiting with family and friends, and taking his grandchildren to the creek.
Survivors include his wife, Marisa Campbell Popplewell, of Russell Springs; his children, Jared (and Leslie) Popplewell of Russell Springs, and Jessica (and Eric) Bumm of Nicholasville; his step-children, Brad (and Melissa) Wilkerson of Russell Springs, and Scott (and Mindy) Wilkerson of Columbia; his grandchildren Sophia and Presley Bumm; Erica, Allie, Brailee, and Ava Wilkerson; Lilly, Kinnett, and Lennon (great grandchild) Wills; Bryson Harris; and Breann Franklin. Two sisters, Sondra (and the late Jim) Valentine and Lila (and Johnny B) Cooper of Russell Springs, also survive, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Brother Scott Russell and Brother Don Finch officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove (Sunshine) Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Jerald’s obituary page of the funeral home’s website.
Derek Popplewell, Kenny Popplewell, Tyler Popplewell, Don Finch, and Zach Gillespie will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pine Grove Cemetery fund or Jamestown First Baptist Church. Donations can be made at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.