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William Sherlock
William Lee Sherlock’s rollicking earthly journey of good times, great friendships and the occasional misadventure came to an end on October 9, 2024, when he passed away peacefully to join his deeply missed wife, Mary, in heaven.
Born in Ludington on September 3, 1932 to William Sherlock and Mary Kowalczyk Sherlock, “Billy” was the baby of his family, and was doted on by his four older siblings, Alice, Loretta, John, and Margaret. He attended St. Simon school throughout his entire academic career, graduating with the class of 1949. Inducted into the United States Army in 1952, Bill served his country honorably with the 167th Infantry Regiment 31st Infantry (Dixie) Division in Brumholder, Germany until 1955, attaining the rank of corporal. Bill spent the majority of his career as an engineer with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, starting first in the Ludington yard, then ultimately transferring to Grand Rapids.
Bill married the former Mary Louise Garcia on December 11, 1970, and spent over 52 years “bummin’ around” with his bride until her passing in 2023. Bill lived life with gusto, and greatly relished golfing, water sports, and his beloved Notre Dame football. He water skied on his 80th birthday, and golfed into his 90’s. He also took enormous satisfaction in just “tinkering around,” in his yard, and had, quite arguably, the most neatly-edged lawn in all of Ludington.
Upon his retirement, Bill and Mary returned from Grand Rapids to their native Ludington, and spent 32 happy and active years shuttling between their hometown and their winter home of Zephyrhills, Florida. Bill exemplified the phrase “a stranger is just a friend I haven’t met,” and was known for his friendliness, sociability and charm. Bill steadfastly maintained old friendships and made new ones until the very end of his life. Bill was a lifelong member of St. Simon Parish, a lifetime member of the American Legion, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, and the Ludington Boat Club, and had difficulty turning down a good fish fry put out by any of them.
Bill will be deeply missed by his children, Barry (Julie) Sherlock of Ludington, Thomas (Naoka) Sherlock of Chicago, and Annette Alvarez of Grayling,; grandchildren, Caitlyn Sherlock, Cassandra Sherlock, and Ira Lee Sherlock, and his remaining sibling, Margaret Marrison. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sherlock; his son, William Sherlock; his parents, William and Mary Sherlock; and siblings, Alice Dean, Loretta Dennis, and John Sherlock.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington, with Father Wayne B. Wheeler presiding. Interment will be in the Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until time of Mass.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
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