EMS Assistant Chief David Hunter Sewell died at his home on Saturday, April 26, 2008, following a courageous battle with cancer, aided by friends, family, and colleagues.  Over 260 supporters assisted with prayers of faith, hope and love through over 6,000 visits to his CarePage.  In his death as in his life, David’s integrity, honor, and dignity have touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

David was born on January 27, 1954, in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He moved to Nashville, Tennessee in June 1970 with his family, where he graduated from Hillwood High School in 1972.  He attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he played football and wrestled for the Little Giants.  At Wabash, he established the basis for life- long friendships with a group of fellow theatre participants and athletes. 

David married Beth Boswell on March 15, 1980.  They have drawn sustenance and faith from their annual gatherings with their Wabash friends and their families while raising three children in Nashville.  He is survived by Beth and their three children, Christen Nalley, of Boston, Massachusetts, Hunter Lee, of Nashville, and Sarah Beth Bruce (Jeremy), of Nashville.  His parents, the Reverend James H. Sewell and Charlotte R. Sewell, and a brother, James Harold Sewell, Jr. (Janene), also survive him, along with a niece and nephew of Franklin, and his maternal grandmother, Ruth Close, of Nashville. 

Sewell joined the Nashville Fire Department Emergency Medical Service as a paramedic January 1, 1985.  He rose through the ranks to become District Chief, and most recently was promoted to the rank of EMS Assistant Chief, September 16, 2006.   He served as the Assistant Team Leader of the Tactical Medical Team on the Metro Police Department S.W.A.T. Team from 1994 to 2003.  David was Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical School, where he was a respected and effective teacher of pre-hospital emergency care for interns, residents and pre-med students.  As an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic instructor, David was highly respected by his students, colleagues and attending physicians throughout Middle Tennessee.  He not only has influenced individuals in emergency care, but has helped to boost the quality of emergency medical care throughout the region.   

In addition to his work, David enjoyed outdoor activities, photography, honing his computer skills, and the activities and ministries of the Woodbine United Methodist Church, of which he was a member.

A memorial service will be held at West End United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 30, at 3:00 PM, with visitation and reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. Ministers for the service will be the Reverend James Cole, pastor of Woodbine United Methodist Church, the Reverend Dr. David Lowes Watson, pastor of West End United Methodist Church, and Chaplain Charles Shannon, of the Nashville Fire Department. Honorary pall bearers are from the Paramedic/EMS Bureau: EMT Marcus Bagwell, Assistant Chief Chris Dotye, Assistant Chief Jim Holzemer, Paramedic Bryan Jones, and District Chief Randy Stratton.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Woodbine United Methodist Church, or to the Vanderbilt University EMS Fellowship. Donations may be made to these organizations in the name of EMS Assistant Chief David Sewell at any branch of US Bank.

Directions to West End UMC:

West End UMC is located at 2200 West End Avenue, in Nashville, TN (between Louise Avenue and 23rd Avenue). From I-40, exit onto Broadway (west). Bear right where West End Avenue splits from Broadway and proceed to the intersection of 23rd Avenue. From I-440, exit onto West End Avenue (east) and proceed to the intersection of 23rd Avenue. The church parking lot is entered from 23rd Avenue, and the in entrance to the church is from that parking lot.