Dean Sherrill, Sr.

Waynesville, Daniel Dean Sherrill, Sr., age 80, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of Henry Clarence and Opal Gibson Sherrill.  He was also preceded in death by one son, Eddie Dean Payne; one great-grandchild, Deslyn; two sisters, Faye and Oleana Grooms; and four brothers, Samuel, Frank, Henry and Paul Sherrill.  As a young man in 1964, Dean was destined to own and operate the Pioneer Restaurant in Clyde.  He started in the business with his mother and brother, cleaning, cooking and fixing gallons of stew and gravy each day.  After countless eggs had been cracked and pancakes flipped, Dean purchased Sherrill’s Pioneer in 1996.  Every Monday through Saturday, Dean would arrive at the restaurant shortly before 3:00 a.m. to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for his loyal customers. Since the early 60’s Dean was also known for his $1.00 Punchboard.  Patrons would pay a dollar, punch a hole and take the ticket in hopes to win a brand-new rifle, always positioned above the cash register.  An entire lifetime was dedicated to Sherrill’s Pioneer, and it was the friendly faces, and his dedicated employees, that crossed the threshold each day that brought happiness into Dean’s life.  Aside from the restaurant, Dean enjoyed the outdoors.  He loved guns, camping, spending time at the lake but more importantly, spending quality time with his family.  He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend.  He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Dean is survived by his wife of 33 years Lisa Sherrill, of Waynesville; three daughters Sheila Allen, and husband, Steve, of Waynesville, Deborah Sherrill of Waynesville; and Valerie Sherrill of Washington; two sons, Daniel Dean Sherrill, Jr., and his wife, Kathy and Zebadiah Sherrill, and his wife, Melody, all of Waynesville; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Wells Funeral Home in Canton with the Reverend Kenneth Rhinehart officiating.  Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canton Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 513, Canton, NC 28716; or The NRA Foundation 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030.3