Sherman Maurice Pendergarst

He graduated high school in 1985 from Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia where he excelled in football and started his career in wrestling. In 1992 he graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia with a Bachelor in Business. While attending ODU he was a member of their collegiate wrestling team.

After college he worked as a mortgage broker. He missed the joy of competing in the sport of wrestling though. He started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing to get that extra level of physical fitness. After two years of grappling tournaments he turned his focus to Mixed Martial Arts.

In the summer of 2006 he came to Bettendorf to train with Miletich Fighting Systems where he became a well-rounded and highly respected fighter. Sherman competed and headlined fight cards for multiple promoters all over the country including the UFC. During his career he won 3 heavyweight championships. The gym not only became his place of work but his second home. When times were tough, and circumstances unknown, Sherman was the glue that kept the team together.

He was a beast to be contended with in the ring but out of it he was the man with a heart of gold. No matter the situation if you met Sherman he would make you feel important. He truly cared more for others than for himself. He would go out on a limb for anyone whether you were a lifelong friend or a new acquaintance.

Sherman loved to eat and was an excellent cook! He was always willing to share his favorite foods with you and would be excited when he came across a new restaurant. He treasured time to travel and dreamt of going to exotic locations around the world. He appreciated going to the movies but especially anything with John Wayne. Sherman was a lover of music, whether it was 80’s, soul or jazz.

When people share stories about Sherman you will hear them say that he was a great friend first and foremost and how much they will miss his huge smile, laugh and that he truly was a gentle giant. He was an exceptional story teller and when he was telling one you surely didn’t want to miss it! During his time of sickness the strength and determination he showed to all of us was inspirational. He never complained and fought until the very end. If you asked…he was on the road to recovery and feeling good. He had FAITH that he would be taken care of and he was spiritually and mentally. He will be missed by so many but will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, two sisters and a brother. He is survived by his Father and one brother and many nieces and nephews and friends all around the country.

HAVE FAITH…