Welford Ashton Sherman Jr.

Welford Ashton Sherman Jr.

Welford Ashton Sherman Jr., 89, of Richmond, formerly of Orange, Virginia, died Wednesday, January 20, 2010.

Welford was the son of W.A. and Anna Ward Sherman. He was predeceased by his son, David Moomaw Sherman; and his sister, Jane Harman.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Irwin Moomaw Sherman; a daughter, Rebecca Sherman Ernouf and her husband, Ed; a daughter, Nancy Sherman Burton and her husband, Rodney; three grandsons, Sherman, David, and Hunter; two granddaughters, Holly and Sarah; and two great-grandsons, Ashton and Wes; one brother, Frederick Sherman; three sisters, Mary Anna Lawler, Alice Bovee, and Sarah Cowherd; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Orange County High School in 1937, he attended VPI and graduated in 1941 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He also attended Coast Artillery School from 1941 until 1942, Harvard University in 1942, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1942.

He served his country during World War II in the South Pacific. He commanded an anti-aircraft battery in defense against air attack and in direct fire missions in support of ground troops. He was discharged with the rank of Major, earning a Bronze Star and two clusters.

After returning home from war, Mr. Sherman devoted his life to his family and his community. He owned and operated the President Madison Inn and the W.A. Sherman Company until his retirement. He was past President of the Orange Rotary Club, the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and on the Board of Directors of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. He was a former Scout Master and District Commissioner.

Mr. Sherman was a co-organizer of the Orange County Jaycees, the Orange County Industrial Development Corporation, the Montpelier Club of Orange, and Greenfields.

He organized and built the radio station WJMA and was the first President of the James Madison Broadcasting Corporation. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Woodberry Forest Golf Club, and Orange Presbyterian Church. Past President of Virginia Hotel and Motel Association, past President of the Southern Innkeepers Association, member of the Board of Directors for the American Hotel and Motel Association; member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Travel Council; and Mr. Sherman will be a Hokie forever.

Graveside services will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2010, at Graham Cemetery, Orange, Virginia, with a reception to follow at the Orange Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be directed towards the ACCA Shriner's Hospitals, ACCA Shriners, P.O 9217, Richmond, VA 23227.

Preddy Funeral Home, Orange, is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.