John F. Sherrill

John F. Sherrill, beloved husband, father and friend to all, left us suddenly Wednesday, July 24 2019. After he created his own Eden on earth, he is now enjoying an Eden wilder than his own remarkable imagination. Born in Cabarrus County he lived most of his life in Rowan County, graduating from Salisbury High School. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later received his master's degree from Appalachian State University.  Although he loved teaching, he took over his father's business, The Garden Greenhouses on Woodleaf Road in the seventies, first in partnership with his sister, Sylvia Sherrill-Butler, and later as sole proprietor. He was able to indulge his love for children by playing Santa Claus for many over the years. A famous storyteller and jokester, he cherished his associations with Jaycees as well as his time as a volunteer fireman. Other passions were scuba-diving, butterfly and bird-watching, the Green Bay Packers, Tarheel Basketball and The Grateful Dead. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Miller Sherrill. In 2018 he married the former Lee Clement Piper who survives. He is further survived by his only child, James Cameron Sherrill; as well as well as four stepchildren, Will Piper, Belle Piper, Meghan Elizabeth Clifton and Evan Clifton. His sisters, Rebecca Sherrill Blankenship and Sylvia Butler-Sherrill are mourning him as well. Service: The funeral service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Salisbury on Monday, July 29, 2019 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Robert Black officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Sherrill family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.