Sherman Dantzler passed away peacefully on May 19, 2018. He was born on June 16, 1928 and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by by his mother, Virginia Sherman; Father, Murray Walsh, Jr.; Brother, Murray Walsh, III and wife Beverly B. Dantzler.
After graduating from Atlanta Boys High School, Sherman entered the University of Florida , in 1946, the year that the family moved to Orlando. He transferred to the University of Georgia in 1947. College life included Chi Phi Fraternity activities, intramural sports, a part time job and studies. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a major in finance and a minor in accounting from the University of Georgia in 1950 and a graduate of distinction from The Institute of Financial Education.
After college, he entered pilot training in February 1952 in the United State Air Force. Sherman received his wings and was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Before leaving for the Far East and Korea, Sherman married his college sweetheart Beverly Ann Burcham, February of 1952. The Japanese allowed her to enter and live in Fukuoka, Japan where she could be close to her husband. Sherman served 2 combat tours in Korea as a pilot, was awarded The Air Metal and other service decorations prior to his honorable discharge in 1953.
Before entering the USAF, he was an account executive trainee with a New York stock exchange brokerage firm. After military service, Sherman and Beverly settled in Orlando, Florida. He received his licenses as a General Contractor and Real Estate Broker. He formed his own building, developing and real estate firm in Orlando, Florida in 1954.
Sherman was one of Orlando’s leading business men. He joined The First, F.A., formally known as the First Federal Association in 1958 as Vice President and Loan Officer. He held various executive positions and became a Director in 1975 and President and Chief Executive Officer in 1976.
Sherman was a Director and Chairman of the Board of several affiliated companies of The First, F.A. engaged in land development for homes, commercial construction and golf course development. After 17 years as it’s Chief Executive officer, Sherman retired in 1992.
After retiring, he became s consultant and the Director of Staff Services with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, leaving the authority in 1994.
Sherman’s professional, civic and community activities were extraordinary. He made vast contributions to Central Florida. He served as Chairman, President or Director of dozens of organizations. He was a leading citizen of Orlando for five decades, helping to make Orlando a better place for everyone.
He was a Board member of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority for 12 years, twice serving as it’s chairman. As Chairman, he was deeply involved when the new Orlando International Airport was planned, designed, constructed and opened in 1981.
Sherman was Chairman of Hospice when the Martin Anderson Residential Hospice House was built. The house gave a home to the terminally ill who didn’t have a caregiver.
Sherman was Chairman of The Board of the Florida League of Financial Institutions as a Past Director of The United States League of Savings Institutions.
He was past President of the American Cancer Society, the Kiwanis Club of North Orlando, The Country Club of Orlando, and The Orlando Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he was President of the Orlando Cathedral Cloisters, Inc. when this limited income senior citizens high rise housing project was planned and built. He was also President of Central Florida Builders Exchange and the Central Florida Kidney Center which treated hundreds of patients with kidney failure. He served as President of Orlando Central Business District when the city taxing district was created and approved by the voters and President of the Orlando Youth Center which was then a recreational center in Loch Haven Park for teenagers. He was Chairman of the University of Central Florida’s foundation investment committee and served twice as Chairman of the Florida Citrus Open Golf Tournament.
Sherman launched a new career in the Dispute Resolution Field in the early 1990’s. He was an arbitrator and Mediator with the American Arbitration Association, registered as a large complex case member. He Arbitrated and Mediated cases for the National Association of Security Dealers ( now known as the FINRA). Sherman was a certified United States Postal Service Mediator and he was certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a County Court Mediator, mediating in The Orange County Court system. Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Mediator of the year 2006.
The special person in his life was Beverly, his loving and caring wife of 64 years.
He was devoted to his children: Sherman Scott Dantzler, Jr., Fara Kem Dantzler, Day Burcham Dantzler (Laura), and Judy Ann Dantzler Skaggs (Christopher). Grandchildren: Sherman Scott,III, Lauren Ashe, Christopher Evans, Jr., Day Burcham, Jr., Taylor Sherman and Alexander Scott. Great grandchildren: Sherman Scott IV, Ryder Patrick, Ashe Day and John Tate.
Sherman was an avid golfer, duplicate bridge player, world traveler, and enjoyed his home computer. Although it had been many years since he had flown, it’s was still a passion.
There will be a graveside service on early Friday morning May 25th at Woodlawn Cemetery for the immediate family. Followed by a celebration of Sherman’s life from 5-7pm Friday, May 25th at The Country Club of Orlando for all family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers please send a contribution to a charity of your choice or the Veterans Administration or the Salvation Army.
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