William Sherron III

William Sherron III, affectionately known as "Bill," passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina. He was born on April 25, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Sherron Jr. and Venita C. Lewis, both of whom preceded him in death. The eldest of six children, Bill grew up in the Altgeld Gardens community, where he attended George Washington Carver Elementary and High School, graduating in 1955.
A gifted athlete and avid reader, Bill balanced physical prowess with intellectual curiosity. He developed his basketball skills under Coach Archie Hampton, whose emphasis on character and sportsmanship left a lasting impression. Bill's talent on the court led him to Dillard University, where he played from 1958 to 1961 and met his future wife, Phyllis Randall. They married in August 1961 and had two children, Venita and William IV.
That same year, Bill was drafted into the United States Army. After completing his service, he settled in Detroit, Michigan, and began a long career with Chrysler Corporation. When Chrysler Defense was sold in 1982, he continued with General Dynamics as a Senior Defense Engineer until his retirement in 1994.
In retirement, Bill enjoyed golf, jazz music, reconnecting with old friends, and time with family. In May 2023, he was inducted into the Dillard University Sports Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the Men's Basketball team.
He now joins his brothers Donald "Duck," Maurice "Reese," and Bernard "Pookie" in eternal rest. He is survived by his daughter Venita Sherron King; son William Sherron IV and daughter-in-law Joya; grandchildren Kyle Aaron King and Christian Cheek and her husband James; great-grandchildren Lincoln and Brianna Cheek; sisters Gwendolyn Pinager and Claudelle Sherron; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.