Mr. Paul Kennedy Sherrill, Sr., 88, of Mooresville, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Brian Center in Mooresville. Mr. Sherrill was born March 9, 1923 in Iredell County and was the son of the late Joseph Sherrill and Nora Kennedy Sherrill. He was a graduate of Troutman High School and he was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during World War II. Mr. Sherrill was married to Mary N. Lowery Sherrill, who preceded him in death. Mr. Sherrill was a member of North View Church of Christ and he was a retired welding supervisor with Martin-Marietta in Oak Ridge, TN. Paul was a much loved and respected man by all who met him. He loved his Lord first and his family next. He never joined civic organizations but rather gave his time to his church and family. He was a devoted husband to his wife Mary Neal, took special care of her during her years of declining health. He was an avid runner and competed in many races. He played golf and loved the completion of the game. He enjoyed antique hunting with his wife Mary. They traveled to Pennsylvania many times to attended auctions and hunt the antique stores. They also loved traveling. He had a home in the Crossnore Mts. for years. A place he fixed up and the entire family enjoyed. Another passion was hot air ballooning. He traveled through many states with his son Dan, attending and participating in hot air balloon races. He was very proud of his jacket covered with the balloon pins he collected. Paul was daddy to his children and Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and to all others, he was a friend. His family was always in this thoughts and prayers. He loved to have them visit. Paul prayed without ceasing and his prayer daily was if he be found faithful then he was ready to meet his Lord and Savior. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Sherrill was also preceded in death by four sisters, Elizabeth S. Keller, Marie S. Teague, Hazeline S. Gilleland and Jessie Faye Sherrill. Mr. Sherrill is survived by three sons, Paul K. Sherrill, II (Gloria), Danny J. Sherrill (Danielle), both of Driftwood, TX and Timothy Sherrill of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by two daughters, Johnnie Johnston (Tommy) and Melissa Freeze, both of Mooresville. Mr. Sherrill is further survived by seven grandchildren, Sherril Farifax (Gary), Stephanie Locklin (Jon), Paul K. Sherrill, III (Shannon), Gerald Sherrill (Jennifer), Dr. Julia Sherrill (Randall Huggins), Nathan Sherrill and Chloe Freeze (Steven Hobbs), along with 11 great-grandchildren, Blain, Kendal and Grayson Fairfax; Joseph, Micah, Paul K. IV and Carter Sherrill; Charlie Huggins; Savanna and Caleigh Locklin and Brody Hobbs. Private graveside funeral services for Mr. Sherrill will be conducted with full military honors in the Abilene Church of Christ Cemetery with Dr. Hugh Cooper officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 pm at Nicholson Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made to the family at
www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries
. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.