William George Sherk

William George Sherk, the youngest of four children, was born in Spencer, Iowa to the parents of Cecil and Mary (Wasser) Sherk on October 16, 1936. Growing up on the family farm located between Lake Park and Montgomery, Iowa, Bill and his siblings, Cecily, Fred, and Sally, learned the meaning of hard work early in life.

Bill graduated from high school with honors and went on to attend Iowa State University for two years, where he studied Chemical Engineering and played football. In 1956, Bill enlisted in the United State Marine Corps. Bill quickly stood out from the rest by scoring so high on the skills test that he was required to take the test again to prove that he did not cheat. He was then placed in a special program that set him on a path that led to his career in electronics and engineering. Bill married Janice Albertson in 1958, and together they had four outstanding children, Tammie Barrett (John), Michael Sherk, David Sherk (Peggy), and Melanie Sherk.

Throughout his life, the strong work ethic he developed back on the farm helped Bill to excel in various jobs. He worked as a TV repairman, sold debit insurance in Raleigh, NC. and started his own business-Sherk Electric. It was Bill’s employment with Potomac Electric Power Company, however, that eventually lead him to the City of Rocky Mount. Bill Joined the City of Rocky Mount Public Utilities Department on January 8, 1968, in the position of First Class Lineman. Bill received regular promotions throughout his career, becoming Lead Lineman in 1968, Electric Serviceman in 1970, Utilities Support Superintendent in 1982, and Director of Utilities in 1986, a position he held until he retired after 33 years. Bill was very instrumental in employing new technology to meet the growing geographical needs of the Rocky Mount. He was respected as a leader in the utility business not only by his supervisors and community, but also by his peers, coworkers, consultants, vendors, and colleagues from across the state of North Carolina. It was his privilege to serve the City of Rocky Mount.

After retiring Bill was highly sought after for his expertise and customer relationships with people across the state. Upon meeting Sidney Hinton, CEO of Power Secure, Bill joined the Power Secure family where he served as Director of Customer Relations. He loved the people he worked with, and he loved his job because he considered it a privilege to continue to serve many of municipalities that had become his friends and family.

Along the way, Bill met the love of his life- Rosa Williams. They married on the San Antonio Riverwalk, and they shared a storybook romance and life together, along with their son Justin Boyd. It was a love that endured until Bill took his last breath as Rosa prepared to kiss him goodbye. It was his extraordinary love for Rosa that led Bill to Christ. In the waiting room of a hospital, Bill promised God that if God did not allow Rosa to have breast cancer, he would give up golf on Sundays and serve him every day for the rest of his life. A man of his word, Bill and wife Rosa joined St. Marks United Methodist Church shortly thereafter. There Bill attended the Friendship Sunday School class, sang in the choir, and used his budgeting experience on the Trustee Board. Bill Sherk loved the Church and he loved the Lord.

Bill was a faithful witness for the Lord until he passed away after a long period of declining health. A servant, a leader, an outstanding husband, father, friend, and Man of God; he had served his country, church, community, and state. He was ready to be with his Lord and savior. His work is done.