Paul Sherrill

To Franklin Paul Sherrill, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Franklin, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Franklin really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Franklin was born on March 8, 1956 at Army Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His parents were Clay and Vaudie Sherrill. Franklin was raised in Hot Springs. Even as a child, Franklin had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

Always a good playmate, Franklin was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Franklin managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Franklin was raised with 3 siblings. He had brothers Bill and Jim and sister Cissy. Franklin was the youngest of the 4 siblings, the "baby" of the family; and was loved by all.

All of Franklin's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. Franklin simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Franklin experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He was a cub scout and in his spare time he liked riding his bike anywhere and everywhere.

It could be said that for Franklin, experience was his best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Franklin graduated from Upland High School in 1974. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was his shop teacher.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Franklin very easy to approach. He tried hard not to impose on his wife, Melody. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage. Franklin and Melody were lifelong friends and shared a special bond that few ever find; therefore it was the natural thing to marry in 2009. Those who knew them could see how rare and beautiful their relationship was, and were happy that Franklin and his soul mate were united. Franklin’s family will attest that the last few years of Franklin’s life, spent in the warm, loving company of Melody were indeed the best years of his life.

Perhaps the reason Franklin related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Franklin was blessed with two daughters and one son, Nicole, Angela and Paul. Later in life, Franklin was blessed with his beautiful grand-daughter, Ava Mae Sherill. Franklin's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play.

At work, as in life, Franklin was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Franklin liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Franklin was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Franklin’s talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Franklin as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was Procurement Officer. He was employed for Sun Kist in California for 20 years and at ASC Surgery Center about 1 year in Las Vegas.

Franklin enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite leisure time activity was reading, anything and everything. Franklin was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball. In addition, Franklin was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Franklin's favorites was Shelby, a mutt. They were best friends for eight years and it is a sure thing that Shelby will miss his master for the rest of his years.

A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, Franklin often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Outspoken in his beliefs, yet tactful in his dealings with others; he was not a man to brag or seek attention for his many acts of kindness; rather, Franklin helped the homeless in a very quiet way; never looking for recognition or thanks, simply doing his very best for those who were in need, quietly giving what he could and touching many lives in the process. In addition Franklin got a great deal of satisfaction helping the Girl Scouts of America.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Franklin recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life, in fact when he was a young man he had dreamed of becoming a pastor. He was a member at Central Christian church for the past two years in Las Vegas. During that time, he was a deacon.

It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. Favorite vacations included trips back home to Arkansas to visit family and old friends.

Franklin passed away on August 26, 2011 at St. Rose Sienna of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Melody; son Paul; daughters Nicole and Angela; grand-daughter Ava Mae; brother Bill; sister Cissy; Shelby, his faithful dog and countless friends; far too many to list. A memorial service in Franklin’s honor was held at home.

Franklin brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Franklin Paul Sherrill lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered always, for his huge heart, generosity, love of life and kindness to others.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.