Bruce Vaughan Sherrod

October 31, 1961 - November 8, 2023

Bruce Vaughan Sherrod, age 62, died at his home in Shelbyville, Kentucky surrounded by family on November 8th, 2023 after a short illness. Bruce is survived by his wife, Flora Adams Sherrod; his four children, Mary Hamlin Sherrod Maser (Andrew), Olivia Sherrod Adams (Michael),  Robert Vaughan Sherrod and Flora Baylor Sherrod; his sister, Jacqueline Sherrod Williams (Dennis) and his twin brother, Brian Sherrod (Cindy), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.     

Bruce, or “‘Bruiser” as he was affectionately called by his childhood friends, was born October 31st, 1961 in Richmond, Virginia to Robert Louis Sherrod and Fleita Mae Holbert Sherrod. Bruce fondly remembered his teenage years and spoke of the fun and mayhem he, his brother, friends and cousins had while bird-hunting and fishing, or boating on the Chesapeake Bay. He attended Henrico High School where he was also a renowned long distance runner. At a national invitation meet, his four mile relay team ran the fastest time in the nation for highschool athletes of that year. His medal was awarded to him by 1936 gold medalist Jesse Owens.

Later, Bruce continued his education at East Carolina University where he earned a B.S. in business administration. He found his passion within the commercial and residential construction and material industry. Moving to Shelbyville, Kentucky in 1996 for a job with Kentucky Solite, he eventually became vice president of sales, for the south and midwest regions, and a director on their board. He continued within the industry along several other senior and executive positions over his forty year career. Bruce was also a master carpenter and woodworker, specializing in historic restoration and renovated many homes and buildings.

With a nail in his mouth and a pencil behind his ear, there was no project that Bruce couldn’t accomplish. He trademarked a paint, tar and concrete aesthetic: all across his jeans and shirts, much to his wife’s chagrin. 

Bruce always reiterated that his family was his greatest source of purpose, joy, and happiness. In return, his family saw him as a compassionate, loving father and devoted husband. He will be remembered as a legendary storyteller, fierce friend, eternally witty, comedic genius, strong willed, and uncommonly kind. Bruce was brave in life and in passing and will never be forgotten. Our hero, our friend and our Pop.

An open house in Bruce’s honor will be held at his family home on Friday, December 1st from 7:00pm-9:00pm. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville on Saturday, December 2nd at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce’s honor to the Lustgarten Foundation, for pancreatic cancer research, the First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, or the Shelby County Community Theatre.