SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
SANFORD – Dr. Willie Boyse Sherman, Jr., fondly known as “Billy” by many, was born in Sanford, Florida, to his proud parents, Willie B. Sherman Sr. and Mary Alice McCray. He was a proud and distinguished graduate of Crooms Academy class of 1961, where he was the smallest one in the athletics department but earned his leadership role as the captain of the football team. Billy was a well-rounded student and excelled at everything he put his hands to.
After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for 4 years before being honorably discharged. He later matriculated to Howard University Dental School and graduated in 1973. From 1973-74, he completed a family practice residency at the National Institute of Mental Health at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Washington, DC. After completing his residency in 1974, he returned to Sanford, Florida, to start his own dental practice — We Care Dental Center.
Dr. Sherman practiced in Sanford for two years while working part-time with various medical organizations, including the Orange County Health Department (five years), the Migrant Dental Health Clinic in Ocoee (one year), and later he helped organize and worked with the Migrant Dental Health Clinic in Oviedo (one year). While he continued to operate his Sanford office, in November of 1978, he stepped out in faith and began his second dental practice in Orlando, Florida. In 1980, he ended all other part-time work with other organizations and began working exclusively in both his Orlando and Sanford offices and God blessed the work of his hands.
In 1980, Dr. Sherman was inducted into the Outstanding Young Men of American Legion of Orlando and began a successful real estate investing career. He purchased the Washington Shores Shopping Center in Orlando, established a Real Estate Management Company, Taibu Enterprise Incorporated, and was the first African American to own a building of any kind in downtown Sanford, on Oak Avenue, which General Sanford once owned. However, his business endeavors continued to breed success, as he, along with Dr. Collins, was also one of the founders and owners of The Orlando Times newspaper, the most prominent African-American-owned newspaper in Orlando.
Through it all, Dr. Sherman continued to practice dentistry for almost 5 decades, but his greatest accomplishment was his dedication to giving back and serving the community he loved. In his spare time, he donated his service and monetarily to several community organizations, including Orlando Union Rescue Mission, Sanford Rescue Outreach Mission, World Vision (he personally sponsored many children over a span of 30 years), the Elks Lodge, Crooms Academy Alumni Association, Young Blacks in Action, and many other church and civic organizations.
Dr. Sherman’s civic affiliations included the NAACP (Life member), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the National Dental Association, the American Legion: Dorie Miller Memorial, POST NO. 331 in Orlando, and Crooms Academy Alumni Association. He was humbly proud to be a very active member and Deacon of Calvary Temple of Praise, where he joined under the leadership of Pastor Paul P. Wright.
Left behind to cherish many wonderful memories of a well-lived life are: his loving and supportive wife of 36 years, Patricia Sherman; his children, Veronica Byrd, Teresa Mitchell, Bernard (Jessika) D. Mitchell, Jr., Willie Williams, Jr., Rashia Sherman, Natasha Sherman, and Kendra Sherman; grandchildren, Marquise Williams, Trequan Williams, Parker Von Mitchell, Symone Elise Sherman, Londyn Arrie Mitchell, and Sydney Sherman; great-grandson, Landon Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends and colleagues who were all dear to him.
Dr. Sherman departed this life peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at his residence with his loving wife and caregiver by his side.
The public visitation to honor Dr. Sherman’s life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Calvary Temple of Praise, 2020 McCracken Road, Sanford, Florida. 32771
The Life Celebration Service, a time to honor and remember Dr. Sherman, will be on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 PM, at Calvary Temple of Praise, 2020 McCracken Road, Sanford, Florida. Interment at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754, with full military honors.
The family has provided Livestream of Services: qualitystream.tv
Services Entrusted to the care of Sunrise Funeral Home, 900 Locust Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771. (407)322-7383
