Edwin Sherrard Sr.

1924 - 2016

Edwin Ray Sherrard, Sr.

Jackson

Edwin Ray Sherrard, Sr., went to heaven to meet the Lord on January 18, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Ray was born on November 22, 1924 in Dubach, Louisiana to Emma Simpson Sherrard and Edward Eugene Sherrard. The family later moved to West Monroe where Ray graduated from Ouachita Parrish High School and joined the United States Marine Corp. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, where he met his "angel" Alice Bielski, who also served in the Marines. The U.S .Marines took advantage of Ray's talent as a baseball pitcher to select him to play on the U.S. Marines baseball team, which played throughout the state of California.

After an honorable discharge for both of them, Ray and Alice married in Yuma, Arizona, on June 17, 1946. They made West Monroe their home where Ray attended a division of Louisiana State University in Monroe and became an avid LSU Tiger for life. Ray and Alice went to football and baseball games as well as championship games for both sports. The family moved to Mississippi where Ray worked for Warren Hood industries until he started E. Ray Sherrard Sales, for which he and his son, Edwin were manufacturer's representatives in the paper business throughout the country.

Ray served as chairman of the board of Broadmeadow United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School to both juniors and adults. He was honored as the most influential person in the spiritual life of numerous young people by the Matt Friedman Radio Show.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Hazel McKee, Gail Hogan, Paul Sherrard, and Brigadier General Ret. Wright Sherrard. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Alice B. Sherrard; son Edwin Ray Sherrard Jr.; Marsha Thompson (Gerald); Nancy Roberts (Al); and grandchildren, Davis Roberts and Mary Stewart Thompson. He is survived by his brother, Lt. Col. Ret. James Sherrard of Austin, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. His son, Edwin has been the faithful, tireless, caregiver during Ray's entire illness, for which the family is forever thankful. The family is also grateful for Della Williams, who has has devoted four years to the loving care of "Mr. Ray" and "Mrs. Alice."

Visitation will be Friday, January 22nd, at one o'clock at Broadmeadow Methodist, with services to follow at two pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Broadmeadow United Methodist Church or the charity of choice.