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William O. Sherzey Jr.
William O. Sherzey Jr.
Obituary
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William Sherzey Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sue Sherzey
July 29, 2009
I want to say thank you to all of Bill's friends for their wonderful thoughts and memories of Bill. The girls and I really appreciate your stories of Bill. Please feel free to stop by and visit anytime you are in the area.
Love Sue
Erika Thiringer
October 18, 2008
Dear Sue,
I just heard from Julie Lineberry about your husband's passing, and want to send you my heartfelt condolences. I am not sure you will remember me (Julie can help) but I was a long time G.S.leader and trainer in Alexandria.
Best wishes, Erika Thiringer
Karen Conley
September 23, 2008
Dear Sue and Family,
Pete, Amanda, Ashley, and I are so deeply saddened at the loss of Bill. What wonderful neighbors you both have been. I always enjoyed chatting with Bill about current events or the Cowboys vs the Redskins. We will always think of him when we see the beautiful garden that both of you created and made so beautiful. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Pete, Karen, Amanda, and Ashley Conley
Karen Morris
September 22, 2008
Bill Sherzey's Eulogy by Karen Morris
How do you remember Dad and do justice to his memory in a few minutes? I can't. I'd like to think of the future - his legacy. As I look out into the congregation I see his legacy. I believe we have a responsibility to live up to the standard he set. As quiet, reserved, and serious as Dad looked we know that not to be the case. He was a people person and we are testament to that.
He was a husband, a Dad, a Granddaddy, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew, a son, and most of all a friend. His generosity, quick smile, sharp wit, kind demeanor, and sense of humor drew people in. How could you know Dad without being his friend?
I know he considered his friends to be family. I see childhood friends; a National Guard Buddy that he could pick up that closeness in a heartbeat after a long absence; a coworker who not only looks like him but was more a younger brother, a protege, and a shadow; his bowling buddies; former neighbors; members of his female fan clubs from each office her worked in. We each know how much he gave and how little he wanted or expected in return. I wish I could have worked with him - to be shown not just the right way to do a task but the detail oriented, ethical and morale "Sherzey" way; to have witnessed his expressions of loving adoration of his family...he kept all of our school pictures on his desk from kindergarten upward; to have witnessed the sense of humor...the fictitious coworker, Jesus Rodrigues with his own desk, nameplate and coffee mug; the Roman Centurian costume; the devil's tail and horns with his usual business attire; the Christmas lights in his cubicle; the flying bats at Halloween; the office parties...he definitely played as hard as he worked! If only I can be half the friend he was, have as strong a moral compass and be as fair a supervisor as he. His legacy wasn't the work he did but rather the personal relationships.
As a family man he was nothing short of a knight in shining armor. If something went wrong, call Bill, call Dad, he can fix it. He was devoted to his mother. He cared for her for 20+ years after she had a stroke. While she was in rehabilitation, I remember many Friday afternoons Dad saying, "Come on Karen, we're gonna spring Grandma from the hospital." He lovingly dressed her, put her in a wheel chair, then into the car and drove her home to her home at the beach, then settled her in for the weekend. So gentle, so loving. We then repeated the process to take her back on Sunday. She would have been OK with just visits but he knew she was most comfortable at home so he made it happen. I loved hearing him talk about his childhood. Visiting with and staying with Aunts and cousins - the trips to museums, the zoo and Williamsburg. Thus his love of history and learning was born. He was always there for his siblings - he just dropped everything to ride to their rescue anytime they called. He always put family first.
As a Granddaddy and a Father, he was so patient and loved each of us as individuals. How else can one man raise 4 Daddy's girls!! For us girls, he loves each of us differently. Since the day each of us was born he knew what we needed, how to hold us, how to calm us, and how to make us laugh. He marveld at the miracle, hope, and vast possiblities of that perfect little newborn baby, all four times. It never got old to him. How he lived through all those years of crazy female hormones, we'll never know. He gave us gifts he never had - he gave each of us special opportunities to start off adult life a little easier than he had it. He's welcomed into his home our significant others. If they were brave and stuck around long enough and especially if they became son-in-laws he treated them as his own, he tended to Howard with all the love and tenderness he give his daughters, he's been a role model, confidant, and advisor to my husband. His son-in-laws have respected him and looked up to him. He always looked forward to visits from them - they kinda evened up the male/female ration! These men have picked Dad's brain on how to harmoniously live with a Sherzey woman - at times this can be as illusive as the holy grail!
I see him in my sons everyday...the Sherzey tongue bite, the chchchch thinking sound, the thirst for knowledge and love of history, the enjoyment of model trains, the love of animals, the beginnings of sharp wit and perhaps occasional sarcasm, the love of math, the enjoyment of gardening, and the call to protect God's green earth.
Dad gave us the most as a husband. Through his humble daily actions, he taught his daughters what a real man is. Through his love, devotion, loyalty, dedication and admiration of Mom, he let us into his love affair with Mom. He demonstrated his love to her in ordinary gestures: cooking dinner, kissing her before he left the house and when he returned, a pitcher of frozen daiquiris, a fresh baked pie, just the right cloisonne necklace, flirting in the kitchen, in the family room, in the yard, just everywhere, a fresh mowed lawn, a beautiful flower bed, bringing the morning newspaper in before leaving for work, riding the bus so Mom could have the car, doing the grocery shopping, caring for his kids rather than "babysitting" them. He was simply her best friend and her rock.
As we take Dad forward with us, can we measure up to his life's work? Can we be as humble, selfless, loving and determined? As faithful, tender, sensitive, and caring? Can we be as compassionate, strong, warm, witty and charming? Or as generous, inquisitive, honest and insightful as he?
As I finish I'm reminded of a passage from the Second Letter of St Paul to Timothy:
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
From now on a merited crown awaits me;
On that day the Lord, just judge that he is,
Will award it to me - and not only to me,
But to all who have looked for his appearing
With eager longing.
May God bless you and hold you tight in his arms, Dad, you finished the race and deserve everlasting peace.
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Betty & Jim Dunnington/Rigby
September 22, 2008
mrs.Sherzy & family so sorry about Bill's death, as we all know all the suffering is gone and he is at rest and in another place where one day you will see him again. I got to know him from volunteering and so did my husband. He came in on Tues. as i was getting ready to go. I saw a picture of the four daughters together which he was very proud of and also know he enjoyed his family and the driving of his car with the top down. I lost my first husband when i was 45 so i know it is very difficult, Just know God loves you and you have the years of memories and his LOVE for you and his dear family. Betty Dunnington
Gloria and Bill Hall
September 18, 2008
Dear Sue,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear about your Bill. We know it is difficult...and we surround you with our love.
We will never forget being with you on Christmas day a few years ago as well as that delicious dinner prepared by THE "Master Chef." Bill's Cranberry Relish is the best I have ever tasted! Yes, it was a special time...and we hoped for another opportunity to see you.
Do take care dear one. Wish we could be there...but please know our thoughts are with each of you...and give Tess a big hug for us.
With love,
Nancy Nelson
September 18, 2008
Tess,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill Gorny
September 17, 2008
Sue,
I had the honor to know and work with Bill during my 25 years at NAVSHIPS/NAVSEA..... including a few in which he and I carpooled. He kept me informed about you and the girls. He was very proud of you all. I think I still have a hand drawn picture bill made and gave to me. He was a pretty good artist.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Bill Gorny
Kathryn Hall
September 17, 2008
Mr. Sherzey was such a great person! Please know that I love each of you! I'm thinking about you guys from all the way over here.
Pat Paulson
September 17, 2008
I remember Bill telling me, with a twinkle in his eye, that after he retired from the government, he was home alphabetizing the spice jars and Sue suggested he needed to get a job! Fortunately for us, he came to work at NSBA. There are so many special memories I have of Bill and his days at NSBA. Bill touched so many lives in such a positive way.
I'm blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing him, and my deepest sympathy is extended to Bill's entire family. His family was everything to him.
Lenora Johnson
September 17, 2008
Sue and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working with him at NSBA. He always had a smile on his face and was really "cool" when he drove his car. May the Lord bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Antoinette (Toni) Wilson
September 17, 2008
My God wrap His arms around the family and may He give you peace and rest. God bless you.
Kanisha Williams-Jones
September 17, 2008
My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with the Sherzey family at this difficult time. Bill always had a smile and a cheerful word to share. May fond memories of Bill lift your spirits and know that you'll see him again.
Linda Embrey
September 17, 2008
Bill was such a kind man and had the love of life that made him such a special co-worker at NSBA.
Patricia Jenkins
September 17, 2008
My name is Patricia Jenkins:
Bill and I worked at NSBA for sometime together. He was a wonderful and very nice man. I'm sadden that he has passed but the memories of him will last forever. God has him now and he is at PEACE.
God Bless the family and much love.
Elizabeth Gordon
September 17, 2008
Bill was one of the finest people I've known. I pray for God's strength and comfort for his family.
Mary Simmons
September 17, 2008
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of working with Bill. He was wonderful and without his help when we worked together in the Submarine Directorate at NAVSEA, I would never have survived the budget drills.
Jessica Mitchell
September 17, 2008
Tess, I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Branch
September 17, 2008
Bill was very special. His NSBA office was adorned with the pictures of you - his beautiful family - of which he had the utmost pride. Bill was pure sunshine and an example of living one's life to the fullest. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bev & Jonathan Garner
September 17, 2008
Bill was such a wonderful man. We will miss is sparkling eyes and boyish grin. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Veronica Siles
September 17, 2008
Our heavenly Father may confort the lives of the family of a wonderful person and a very dedicated co-worker Mr. Bill Sherzey. We always remember you at NSBA and your kindkness and professionalism set a great example among the ones who are still here.
God bless all the Sherzey Family
Rich Dennehy
September 17, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Pam Estes
September 17, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Lyndsay Andrews
September 17, 2008
Dear Bill: how I miss our early morning conversations at NSBA about family, friends, gardening and our cats! You were an inspiration to all us older folks as we strive to keep fit. You will be sorely missed. Lyndsay.
Teri Yale
September 17, 2008
I worked with Bill and he was so much to fun to be around. He sat behind me in a teeny-tiny cubicle when he first started working at NSBA which we always laughed about (I loved his laugh).
After he retired, he'd stop by to say hi and he always brought pictures of his "train room." He was such a talented man.
He loved to talk about his family and I know he will be missed by many!
Rest in peace Bill!
Karen Dooley
September 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May you take comfort in knowing that Bill was a very special man and will be remembered with love.
Verlina Saunders
September 17, 2008
Tess, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I pray that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you and your family through this difficult time.
Love,
Verlina
William Smith
September 17, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Bill was a special person and the world will miss him greatly. I'm forever indebted to him for giving me the break that changed my life. He was my boss, but most of all he was my friend.
Sally Beavers
September 17, 2008
Bill was the kindest person that I have ever met. He made everthing fun. He was always helpful in many ways. I will miss him deeply.
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