Gilbert "Tony" Sherrill

With his family by his side, Gilbert Anthony “Tony” Sherrill died Feb. 8 after a long illness. Tony, 76, was a native Houstonian and a loving husband, father and friend. He took great pride in being a veteran who enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Washington D.C. and Galveston before returning home to Houston, where he met Cathy in 1975. They spent 48 amazing years together, and Tony left behind a family with whom he shared many marvelous memories through the decades. Tony and Cathy had three sons – Michael, Mark and Steven – who, like their father, are devoted fans of Houston sports, especially the Astros and Texans. Tony also had a beloved daughter, Roxanne, with whom he shared many wonderful moments.

Tony was a familiar figure attending sporting events with his family and friends. He loved to hang out with other veterans at his favorite American Legion Hall to share a few cold beers and discuss the Astros, Texans, Rockets and Cougars. No matter where he went, Tony got respect from everyone who knew him. He treated friends and strangers with respect. Friends confided in Tony because they knew he was trustworthy and would give them an honest answer when they asked for his opinion. Everyone agreed that friends with Tony’s integrity are hard to find.

Tall and lean with a head full of white hair, Tony was proud to wear his blue Navy veteran’s cap wherever he went. He was almost unrecognizable without it unless he swapped it out for an Astros or Texans cap. Strangers at Minute Maid Park, NRG Stadium, sports bars and restaurants around the city often thanked him for his service. He always had a big smile and a firm handshake for anyone who wanted to “talk ball” with him. Unlike a lot of his friends – when discussing the Texans and Astros – Tony never uttered a negative word debating the strengths and weaknesses of his favorite teams. He celebrated their successes and agonized over their failures, and nothing in sports brought him more joy than the Astros winning two World Series in 2017 and 2022.

Tony worked 39 years for the Texas Department of Transportation in the Permits Department issuing utility & driveway permits. He assumed the responsibility of organizing the TXDOT retiree lunches both before and after he retired. After retirement, he vowed to watch baseball games in as many Major League ballparks as possible. If Cathy or one of his sons were unable to join him, Tony and his dog, Bonzi, would get in his truck and take off across the country to see as many baseball games as they could. He often accompanied Cathy on business trips and made sure to see ballgames whenever possible. He was such a baseball fan that Tony even attended some minor league games.

It was no surprise Tony was so fanatical about baseball. He was a talented pitcher at Sam Houston High School and St. Thomas University. At his last St. Thomas reunion, he took immense pride in being able to fit into his college jersey, and his former teammates told him he looked fit enough to take another turn on the mound and pitch a few innings.

Whether at work or just hanging out around Houston, Tony forged long-lasting friendships wherever he went. Tony was a proud member of the Fireman’s Row tailgating team that adopted him into their tailgate family after years of parking next to each other in the NRG Park orange lot at Texans games. While attending SportsRadio610 remotes on Fridays around the Houston area, Tony became a treasured member of a group of friends who became known as The Posse – Rick, Carrie, Mark, Mike, Amy, Charlie, Gary, Kelly, Vince, Charlotte and John. The Posse will miss him terribly, but Tony left behind some indelible memories from their 15 years of friendship. He’ll be missed by many.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; daughter Roxanne Sherrill Graham and husband Lloyd; son Michael Allen Sherrill and his wife, Dung; son Mark Anthony Sherrill and wife, Sara; son Steven Wesley Sherrill; sister Carol Ann Waldrop and husband Howard; niece Connie Embesi Bennicoff; grandson Josh Campe and wife Rebecca; grandson Doug Campe and wife Taylor; grandson Hunter Sherrill and granddaughter Hannah Sherrill as well as nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and cousins.

Tony’s memorial service will be Thursday, Feb. 22, at Brookside Funeral Home, 9149 Hwy 6 N, Houston, 77095. Visitation is 9 to 10 a.m. The service is 10 to 11 a.m. There’s a reception at Brookside Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tony will be buried at VA Cemetery at 2:15 p.m.

Written by John McClain