Ray Edwin Sherrill, Jr., 75, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Friday, October 8th, 2021 after a brief illness.
Ray was born in Burke County, NC on July 28, 1946. He was the son of the late Ray Edwin Sherrill, Sr. and Violet Barlow Sherrill. He graduated from Drexel High School in 1964. Ray “Edwin” excelled in athletics and played football under the direction of coach Merlin Shull. He led the Drexel Wolverines to many victories during his football career. His favorite football memories included being part of the Drexel High School football team that went to the Skyline Conference state playoffs in 1963 and winning the upset game against undefeated Glen Alpine that same year. Ray inherited his athletic ability from his father, Ray Sr., who was the first inductee to the athletic hall of fame at NC School for the Deaf in Morganton, NC. Ray “Edwin” also had the gift of gab and was well liked by his classmates. His was voted senior superlative of “most witty”.
After high school Ray forwent a football scholarship to Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC to start a family and went to work for Southern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone lineman. His dynamic personality soon landed him a sales job with the company and in 1975 he moved to Charlotte, NC. Ray never met a stranger and had the desire to succeed.
Ray’s drive and entrepreneurial spirit enabled him to start several successful businesses throughout his career. First of which was named Golf Art and later became Sherrill Design Group. Golf Art designed redwood golf tee marker signs and sold score card advertising for golf courses across the Southeast. Once the market was gone for that type of advertising he transitioned to design in the granite business. Living life fearlessly and not afraid to take risks, Ray moved to Georgia and started his next company, Georgia Granite in 1992. Georgia Granite later became Carolina Stone back in the Carolinas. Carolina Stone made and installed residential and commercial granite and tile for kitchens, baths, and monuments. One of the projects Ray was most proud of was designing and installing the PSL monuments for the Carolina Panthers, located directly under the giant panther statues in front of the stadium. The last years before Ray retired, he independently sold commercial real estate.
Ray had a love for life and lived everyday with great expectations. He loved his community and fellow man. He was a member of the Lake Wylie Rotary Club and had many friends. Ray enjoyed spending time on the lake, golfing, and attending Carolina Panther games. He loved to travel with the love of his life, Michaelyn, and spend time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife of 23 years, Michaelyn Brombolich Sherrill; Daughters Dana Whisnant (Scott) of Morganton, NC; Cindy Lupi (John) of Marble Hill, GA; Grandchildren Ashley Costner (Brandon), Andrew Spake (Mazie), Alex Dunagan (Matt); and Great Grandchildren Cooper Blevins, Evelynn Spake, and Gavin Clark; Brother, Bill Sherrill (Susan), Sister, Jean Proctor, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on November 7th from 3:00pm-5:00pm at the River Hills Plantation Marina, Lake Wylie, SC.
Memorial contributions may be made to the N.C. School For The Deaf at Morganton Foundation, PO Box 1397, Morganton, NC 28680.
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