Bill Ray Sherrell

Bill Ray Sherrell, 87, a 70 year Wenatchee resident and longtime orchardist, packing foreman at Washington Fruit Growers and owner of the "Monitor Drive Inn" grocery, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Central Washington Hospital, following a brief illness. He was born on July 28, 1924 at Possum Holler near Calico Rock, Arkansas to E. A. and Dulcie (Cooper) Sherrell he attend school at Pleasantgrove Arkansas. He was raised on the family farm, which he considered to be the best place to grow up. He came to Wenatchee in 1939 and worked in area orchards. He had met Uvaughn Pierson at her father's store in Arkansas and after their families moved to Wenatchee they were married on August 17, 1943 in Cashmere. Bill worked in the fruit industry for over 30 years, first at Columbia Fruit Growers, later Wells and Wade Fruit and retired from Washington Fruit Growers after 28 years. He was a Receiving Foreman, Manager of the packing shed and had been a Field Man. In 1957, Bill and Uvaughn purchased the "Monitor Drive Inn" grocery with her parents Tony and Elva Pierson. After the death of Tony & Elva Pierson they continued to operate the store up until just a few years ago. They also owned and operated two orchards in Monitor. He was a tall handsome man with a barrel chest, hard working, kind, fun loving, not afraid on anything including the occasional robber. He loved fishing trips, enjoyed dancing at the Red Rooster, going to the Eagles and the Elks lodges and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by one brother & sister-in-law, James & Donna Sherrell, East Wenatchee; his sister-in-law, Joann Sherrell, Puyallup, WA; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Uvaughn Sherrell on January 30, 2011 and his brother, Howard Sherrell. A Commemoration service will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Chapel, 19 Rock Island Road, East Wenatchee, with Pastor Kel Groseclose officiating. Concluding services and Interment will follow in Wenatchee Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 12th from noon to 8:00 p.m. Please sign in or leave a memory online by visiting www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Bill Ray Sherrell

July 20, 1924 - October 8, 2011