Obituary of Herschel L. Sizemore

Herschel L. Sizemore, 87, of Roanoke went home to be with the Lord Friday, September 9, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Rebecca Dennis Sizemore.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters making him the last survivor in a family of ten.  Additionally, he was preceded by a granddaughter, Haley Hawthorne; and a great granddaughter Aisha Walrond.

Herschel grew up in Leighton a small town in Alabama.  He discovered his love for music early in his life as he began playing music at the tender age of seven, and at age 14 he began to play professionally.  He always said that his musical abilities were a gift from God.  As his musical career progressed, he had the privilege of playing with some of the biggest names in Bluegrass music and played many times on the Grand Ole Opry.   Herschel was recognized world wide for his unique style of playing mandolin  As much as he loved his music, he had an unconditional love for his family.  And we can't forget his love for spending time "casting a line" or bass fishing.

Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Joyce Sizemore; children, Charlotte (Mike) Bishop, Tamba (Ralph) Agee, Lee (Vickie) Sizemore; grandchildren, Dusty Davis, Sara Davis (Kyle) Duncan, Jenni Bishop (Jordan) Ramey, Matt Walrond, Steven Walrond, Jacob Agee, Cheyenna Agee, Drew (Savannah) Sizemore, Michael (Bri) Sizemore, Garrett Carter; ten great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to hospice nurses, Penny, Sarah, and Donna, and to Dr. Nina Sweeny for the excellent care provided during Herschel's illness.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by Pastor Andy Woods.  Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Simpson Funeral Home.  540-366-00707