SFC Sherman Franklin Pauley (Retired)

SFC Sherman Franklin Pauley (Retired), born on November 10, 1942, in Chelyan, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. A resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, Sherman was known for his honesty, generosity, caring heart, and unwavering faith. He was truly a friend to all who knew him.

Sherman proudly served in the United States Army for 23 years, retiring honorably as a Sergeant First Class. Following his distinguished military career, he worked for several years at Coca-Cola.

He was first married to Carol Hudnall Pauley, with whom he shared two wonderful children, Dennis and Mary. After Carol’s passing, Sherman was blessed to find love again with Marian Pauley, his devoted wife of 18 years, who brought into his life a daughter he cherished as his own.

Sherman had a passion for square dancing and was a longtime member of the Kennesaw Square Dancing Club. He also enjoyed researching family genealogy, reading the Bible, and exploring history—especially with his grandchildren. Some of his fondest memories were from family trips out West, where they spent 30 days exploring together, and from visiting Washington, D.C., where he toured the White House, the Pentagon, and Jamestown.

A man deeply committed to faith and community, Sherman was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as the sound director for over 30 years. He was also a proud member of several organizations: the Masons (over 60 years), the Shriners (over 15 years), VFW Post #2681 (10 years), and the American Legion Post #29 in Kennesaw (over 18 years).

Sherman is survived by his loving wife, Marian Pauley; son, Dennis Wayne Pauley; daughter, Karen Lanham and husband Danny; brother, Mark Pauley and wife Janet; grandchildren, Arthur Pauley, Ronny Cravens and wife Karly, Jessica Ellis, and Tamara Green and husband Rory; great-grandchildren, Skyler Cravens, Bailey Ellis, and Elijah Ellis; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. He also leaves behind his faithful Chihuahua, Princess. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Iretha Pauley; his first wife, Carol Hudnall Pauley; his daughter, Mary Pauley; brother, Steve Pauley; and sister Diane Allison.

A Visitation for family and friends to gather will be held at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, Georgia, on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral service in his honor beginning at 2:00 p.m.. Interment will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia, at 3:30 p.m.

Sherman will be remembered for his love of clean jokes, his contagious laughter, and his joy in life’s simple moments. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude at https://www.stjude.org/ or Shriners Children's at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/.