Jerry Richard Sherman

Jerry Richard Sherman, 71, of Fort Mill, SC, passed away on October 31, 2025, after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's.

Born on January 5, 1954, in Gaffney, SC, Jerry lived a life marked by dedication to his family and the family business, all while keeping a great sense of humor that brought joy to those around him.

For over three decades, Jerry and his family owned and operated motels in Myrtle Beach. His commitment to the business reflected not only his entrepreneurial spirit but also his deep-rooted values of perseverance, good work ethic, and hospitality. Through years of service to travelers from near and far, Jerry helped build a legacy of warmth and welcome along the Grand Strand.

Jerry was known for his great sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. Whether sharing a joke or offering a warm smile, he had a gift for lifting spirits and bringing people together. He often spoke in “Jerryisms,” mispronouncing words in funny ways or making up his own “old saying goes” that were never old sayings, and we loved it!

At the heart of Jerry’s life was his beloved family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Vicki Ward Sherman; his daughter, Melissa Sherman Burgess; son-in-law, Robert Eric Burgess; and grandsons, Blake Burgess (21) of Fort Mill, SC and Ashton Burgess (20) of Springfield, VA. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Teresa Ward of Asheboro, NC. Jerry cherished time spent with his loved ones during lively family and friend get-togethers and memorable vacations; he embraced every opportunity to share laughter and create lasting memories.

He was preceded in death by his father, S.R. Sherman, and mother, Evelyn Barrett Sherman.

Jerry attended Town Square Adult Day Center in Fort Mill for a number of months, greatly benefiting daily from its amazing staff who work with people struggling with dementia. After a hospital stay, Jerry’s health experienced a major decline, and in September, he was moved into the memory care unit of HarborChase at Riverwalk in Rock Hill, SC. The staff there made his last two months of life special by loving and caring for him with dignity and compassion, as well as a little bit of humor. We are very thankful for the dedicated people at both of these facilities.

Jerry’s memory will live on through the laughs and love he shared with his family and friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place, Fort Mill, SC 29708, with a celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 AM. An entombment will be held at 4:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to Nueva Esperanza (Career/Training Center Building Fund) at www.hopeinhonduras.org or the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org - two causes close to the family's heart.

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