Ernest “Sonny” Sherman
March 9, 1945 – April 21, 2023
Ernest “Sonny” Sherman, 78, of North Beach, MD passed away April 21, 2023 from COPD. Sonny was born March 9, 1945, in Washington, DC to Ernest and Una (Davidson) Sherman. He was raised in Riverdale, MD and graduated from Duval High School in 1963. He was one of the first 9-1-1 dispatchers for the Prince George’s County Government and later became a station clerk for the Prince George’s County Police Department. He retired in 2004 after thirty years of service.
Although faced with much adversity throughout his life, including paraplegia, he never let that stop him from living life to the fullest. Sonny loved talking politics to whoever would listen, he loved making jokes about most anything including himself and he was a true animal lover. He enjoyed watching the Washington Capitals, Washington Redskins, and NASCAR.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Una (Davidson) Sherman, and his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and David McNeil.
He is survived by his companion of 32 years, Nancy Gagnon and her extensive family, the Grisham family of GA, and “special place in his heart” families, Sandra Markowich and family of MD, Me-Mom Hayes and family of TN, Barbara Callis and family of MD and “special place in his heart” friend, Shaunda Wyatt of TN.
He is also survived by his beloved cats, Sullivan, Molly, and Buster.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the charity of your choice in remembrance of Sonny.
Visitation
Monday, May 1, 2023
10:30 AM – 12 Noon
Services
- Funeral Service
Monday, May 1, 2023
12 Noon
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
24 Apr 2023
6:56pm
We shared so many great memories and laughed a lot! Sonny was one of a kind person- so loved by all, RIP our dearest friend, love you, and will be deeply missed🙏💗
City
Whitestown
State
IN
24 Apr 2023
7:16pm
Rest in Peace Sonny! Prayers for his companion of 32 years Nancy Gagnon and her family. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
City
Milton
State
FL
24 Apr 2023
8:16pm
Sonny was so incredibly loving and funny. He will forever stay in my heart with me. He changed the way I see the world. He was a wonderful human. A lot could be learned from his loving ways, his resilience and his humorous nature. I will miss him terribly. The world seems a little dimmer without him in it. Until we meet again, friend.
City
Sparta
State
TN
24 Apr 2023
8:42pm
We of the Hayes family (MD & TN) are stricken with sorrow over losing Sonny. He was a person of good cheer even in times of trouble for himself. He loved people and animals and those who shared that love. There is no need for wheelchairs in heaven; he is walking on his own beside Jesus.
City
Sparta
State
Tennessee
24 Apr 2023
9:07pm
Nancy I am so sorry for your loss. I have always loved visiting with you and Sonny over the years when there were Family events at Barbara’s and at your beautiful home. Loved talking with him about all that was going on in the world.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
Deepest Condolences
Love, Sherry
City
Lusby
State
MD
25 Apr 2023
3:08pm
Rest in Peace Sonny. The world is a better place because of you. You raised many PGPD Rookie Police Officers to become seasoned professionals. You were the voice behind the call – always heard and seldom seen. You’ll always be a Hero to us.
City
College Park
State
MD
25 Apr 2023
5:40pm
I was deeply saddened to learn of Ernie’s passing. So many special memories of our early days working together in the PGPD Communications/911 Center. Ernie was loved, admired and respected by all that knew him. RIP Ernie and thanks for your friendship and exemplary service to the community and your brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement.
City
Englewood
State
Florida
28 Apr 2023
12:40pm
I will never forget Ernie’s happy personality. Miss him forever as he was like a brother to me. Had a great time working together. I’m so sorry he is gone to see Stan and his own family. I will not be able to attend services as my brother is having heart surgery at Medstar Hospital. Sorry for your loss Nance💘
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
30 Apr 2023
10:52pm
My heart is breaking with the loss of Sonny who has been a dear friend since Junior High at Takoma Academy. He had transferred to our school and soon became one of our most popular classmates with his friendly personality, sense of humor, and quick wit. He was my first boyfriend and would walk me home to Adelphi after school–4 miles–and then hitch hike to his home in Riverdale! He later transferred to Duval High but we stayed in touch throughout the years. With unbelievable courage and strength, he faced the devastating loss of his loving family in a tragic auto accident and his resultant paralysis. Because of his strength of character and strong faith, he went on to live a successful, independent, and meaningful life full of friends and dedication to his job. I will always be grateful for his caring friendship and our visits and talks through the years where his sense of humor was a bright spot and his words of wisdom were greatly valued. I am so sorry, Nancy, for your great loss and for the difficult, draining last 4 months of Sonny’s illness that was so hard for both of you. You were so faithful and courageous in caring for him as was he in bravely maintaining his hopefulness. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time and I wish you peace, rest, and strength.
City
Clarksburg
State
MD
14 May 2023
11:13am
Sonny will be missed by all of his friends and family. I grew up in Riverdale Heights and graduated from DuVal with him. Was able to keep somewhat connected over the years with High School Reunions and Facebook Posts. He was a amazing person who showed great strength dealing with devastating loss in childhood and going on to have a full successful life. He was a inspiration to me for sure. Love, prayers and condolences to all those closest to him.
City
Hollywood
State
Florida
Sort Comments
We shared so many great memories and laughed a lot! Sonny was one of a kind person- so loved by all, RIP our dearest friend, love you, and will be deeply missed🙏💗
Rest in Peace Sonny! Prayers for his companion of 32 years Nancy Gagnon and her family. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Sonny was so incredibly loving and funny. He will forever stay in my heart with me. He changed the way I see the world. He was a wonderful human. A lot could be learned from his loving ways, his resilience and his humorous nature. I will miss him terribly. The world seems a little dimmer without him in it. Until we meet again, friend.
We of the Hayes family (MD & TN) are stricken with sorrow over losing Sonny. He was a person of good cheer even in times of trouble for himself. He loved people and animals and those who shared that love. There is no need for wheelchairs in heaven; he is walking on his own beside Jesus.
Nancy I am so sorry for your loss. I have always loved visiting with you and Sonny over the years when there were Family events at Barbara’s and at your beautiful home. Loved talking with him about all that was going on in the world.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
Deepest Condolences
Love, Sherry
Rest in Peace Sonny. The world is a better place because of you. You raised many PGPD Rookie Police Officers to become seasoned professionals. You were the voice behind the call – always heard and seldom seen. You’ll always be a Hero to us.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Ernie’s passing. So many special memories of our early days working together in the PGPD Communications/911 Center. Ernie was loved, admired and respected by all that knew him. RIP Ernie and thanks for your friendship and exemplary service to the community and your brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement.
I will never forget Ernie’s happy personality. Miss him forever as he was like a brother to me. Had a great time working together. I’m so sorry he is gone to see Stan and his own family. I will not be able to attend services as my brother is having heart surgery at Medstar Hospital. Sorry for your loss Nance💘
My heart is breaking with the loss of Sonny who has been a dear friend since Junior High at Takoma Academy. He had transferred to our school and soon became one of our most popular classmates with his friendly personality, sense of humor, and quick wit. He was my first boyfriend and would walk me home to Adelphi after school–4 miles–and then hitch hike to his home in Riverdale! He later transferred to Duval High but we stayed in touch throughout the years. With unbelievable courage and strength, he faced the devastating loss of his loving family in a tragic auto accident and his resultant paralysis. Because of his strength of character and strong faith, he went on to live a successful, independent, and meaningful life full of friends and dedication to his job. I will always be grateful for his caring friendship and our visits and talks through the years where his sense of humor was a bright spot and his words of wisdom were greatly valued. I am so sorry, Nancy, for your great loss and for the difficult, draining last 4 months of Sonny’s illness that was so hard for both of you. You were so faithful and courageous in caring for him as was he in bravely maintaining his hopefulness. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time and I wish you peace, rest, and strength.
Sonny will be missed by all of his friends and family. I grew up in Riverdale Heights and graduated from DuVal with him. Was able to keep somewhat connected over the years with High School Reunions and Facebook Posts. He was a amazing person who showed great strength dealing with devastating loss in childhood and going on to have a full successful life. He was a inspiration to me for sure. Love, prayers and condolences to all those closest to him.