Joe Hardin Sherlin

Joe Hardin Sherlin, age 98, of Sweetwater, TN died on February 16, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sherlin, his brother, Lynn, and his beloved wife, Carolyn. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Surviving children include Walter Sherlin (Mary Penn) of Raleigh, Judy Shope (Keith) of Sweetwater, Janey Richesin (Doug) of Sweetwater, and Dr. Joe Sherlin Jr. (Erin) of Jonesborough. Grandchildren: David Sherlin, Will Sherlin, Kendrick Shope McAmis, Keith Shope Jr., Dr. Douglas Richesin, Dr. Anna Lora Richesin Taylor, Emma Sherlin, and Elizabeth Sherlin. Great-grandchildren: Addison Sherlin, Austin Sherlin, Cruz Sherlin, Sophie Sherlin, Halianna McAmis, Hadley Kembel, Henry Richesin, Frances Richesin, Cameron Taylor, and Mattie Jane Taylor. Joe was a graduate of Sweetwater High School, Hiwassee College, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. His military service included World War II in the 361st Infantry from 1943 to 1945, the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 with the 278th RCT, and the Tennessee National Guard from 1949 to 1965. For over four decades, Joe contributed to his community through various roles: history teacher at Tellico Plains High School from 1947 to 1948, Commandant and Executive Vice President at Tennessee Military Institute from 1952 to 1971, Monroe County Industrial Development from 1971 to 1973, Chairperson of the Little Tennessee Valley Educational Corporation from 1971 to 1974, President of Tennessee Packaging Company in Sweetwater from 1973 to 1976, President of the Lost Sea from 1980 to 1986, Superintendent of Sweetwater City Schools from 1976 to 1991, and President of the Tennessee Superintendents Study Council from 1987 to 1989. Joe was also recognized as Superintendent of the Year by the State of Tennessee PTA in 1990 and for 65 years of service as a Sweetwater Mason. Joe was a member of the Sweetwater First United Methodist Church, where he taught the Builders Sunday School class for 45 years. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the Family Life Center of the Sweetwater Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, with Reverend Carl Oaks officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sweetwater Methodist Church, 501 Church Street, Sweetwater, TN 37874, or The Joe and Carolyn Sherlin Scholarship Fund at Sweetwater Education Foundation, P.O. Box 67, Sweetwater, TN 37874. The family will hold a private interment service. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, is in charge of arrangements.

Joe Hardin Sherlin

September 16, 1925 - February 16, 2024