In a medium mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and melted butter.
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. This crust can either be baked or no-bake. *For a baked crust, bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes, then refrigerate until cooled to room temperature. *For a no-bake crust, simply refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping.
Mix until smooth; spread evenly over cooled crust.
Combine cheesecake pudding mix, milk, and 1 cup whipped topping and mix until smooth.
Spread evenly over cream cheese layer in pan.
Top with 1 can cherry pie filling, remaining whipped topping, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.