Sherman L. Smith, Certified Flight Instructor and retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major, took his final flight on March 17, 2026, in Riverview, Florida, at the age of 95. A longtime resident of Balm, Florida, Sherman lived a full and remarkable life guided by service, hard work, and a lifelong love of the open sky.
Born on July 3, 1930, in Diamond, Missouri, Sherman was the son of Samuel L. Smith and Gladys Jenkins. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for 22 years, including service in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. His strength, leadership, and quiet sense of duty left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
After his military service, Sherman worked for 15 years as a Supervisor with Cargill. Never one to stay grounded for long, he simultaneously pursued his passion for aviation, founding and operating Sherman’s Flight Training. Over the course of more than 50 years, he logged over 19,000 hours in the air and helped hundreds of students earn their wings. In recognition of his extraordinary dedication to flight, he was awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. When he wasn’t flying, Sherman could often be found tending to his land, embracing the simple and steady life of a farmer.
Sherman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Jean; his parents; his sons, Jerry Lin, Terry Lee, and Ronnie Allen; his brothers, Edward Best, Warren Smith, Royal Jenkins, Roland Jenkins, Jessie Jenkins, and Robert Jenkins; and his sisters, Lucille Andrews, Esther Smith, Ethel Richardson, and Roneta Loving.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Linda Sadlo and her husband Richard; Janet Yarnell and her husband Bill; and Pamela Allen and her husband Danniel; and his sister, Rhonda Ashby. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his stories, his lessons, and perhaps a bit of his adventurous spirit.
Sherman will be remembered for his steady hand, his generous heart, and the way he found freedom both in the skies above and in the life he built below. His legacy lives on in every life he touched—and in every pilot who learned to fly under his watchful eye.
A graveside funeral service with full military honors will be held on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 PM at Fellowship Cemetery, located at 10232 FL-674, Wimauma, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in his memory.
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Graveside
27
Mar
10232 FL-674
Lithia, FL 33547
Cemetery Details
Location
10232 FL-674
Lithia, FL 33547
