Obituary of Sherrill Leroy Smith

Sherrill Leroy Smith, age 81, departed his earthly life on September 1, 2023 in Salem, Virginia.  Sherrill was born July 7, 1942 in Suffolk, Virginia. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Giles Smith and Mary Ellen Early Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Maxine Funkhouser Smith; his four children Duane Kevin Smith of Salem, Virginia; Stimis Ray Smith and wife Teresa of Salem, Virginia; Sonja Leigh Smith Overholt and husband Clay of Lynchburg, Virginia; Diron Darst Smith and wife Dana of Prosper, Texas. His nine grandchildren: Duane’s children Morgan Renee Smith Osborne and husband Collin and Madison Mackenzie Smith; Stimis’s children Annalise Michelle Smith and Harrison Wirt Smith; Sonja’s children Jessica Nicole Overholt Phelps and husband Chase and Kristina Skye Overholt; Diron’s children Braeden Joseph Smith, Kathryn Elizabeth Smith and Delaney Reagan Smith.

Sherrill was a longtime resident of Salem.  He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1960, where he played the clarinet for the Marching Band.  After graduating high school, Sherrill worked with his father at Leonard Smith Sheet Metal and Roofing before eventually becoming sole proprietor in 1979.  Most recently he owned Eagle American and Catawba Mercantile (coming soon/later).  Over the years he owned various business ventures including Valley Communications, Frontier Station, Cybernet Systems, and several more.

He was an ardent supporter of the local community and an active member of many organizations.  He was a founding member of Salem Bank and Trust and Springlake Stockyard.  Over the years Sherrill and his iconic cowboy hat were regularly seen at meetings, events and fundraisers for the Salem Fair, Roanoke Valley Friends of NRA, Roanoke Valley Horsemen’s Association, Pine Spur Hunt Club, Virginia Citizens Defense League, National Rifle Association, Roanoke Valley Horse Show, Catawba Ruritan Club, Green Hill Park Equestrian Center, Western Horsemen of Virginia, Virginia Arabian Horse Association, the Virginia Roofing Association, and many more.  Sherrill was always one of the first to offer his help in any way he could.

Anyone who knew Sherrill knows he was an avid animal lover.  Horses, dogs, and eagles were his animals of choice.  His dog Lexi would ride with him nearly everywhere, taking the seat previously occupied by Snickers.  When Sherrill was a bit younger, he enjoyed trail rides with friends.  Sherrill enjoyed taking frequent trips along scenic country roads with Maxine and whoever else would join them (Jeanie Johnston).

Like many fathers, Sherrill was full of one-liners that seemed to never get old:

 (Love you to the moon and back)

You are my sunshine (to his Grandchildren)

Go play in the traffic

Glad you’re here, when are you leaving?

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and kiss my a**

Didn’t recognize you with your clothes on

We’re not lost, we’ll come out somewhere

Just tell them, “look for the short little fat man with a cowboy hat”

Get out of my chair

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Memorial service officiated by Buck Simmons and arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, Peters Creek Road Chapel.