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Celebrating the life of Patrick Sherman.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 16, 2026
WHEREAS, Patrick Sherman, a longtime educator with Bedford County Public Schools, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and cherished member of the Bedford County community, died on October 5, 2025; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from what is today Fairmont State University with a bachelor's degree in education, Patrick “Toby” Sherman earned his master of education degree from the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Toby Sherman dedicated 35 years to Bedford County Public Schools as a teacher, coach, and administrator, during which time he made a meaningful and lasting impact on countless students, families, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, following his retirement from education, Toby Sherman worked for Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory for nearly two decades, providing conscientious and considerate care to assist grieving families in their time of need; and
WHEREAS, Toby Sherman enjoyed woodworking and cheering on the Liberty University Flames and the University of Virginia Cavaliers and was happiest of all when traveling and spending quality time with family and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Toby Sherman gave generously of his time for the benefit of others as the leader of the Tuesday Morning Gang, a service group that carried out household and landscaping projects to assist residents of the Jefferson Villas at Forest; and
WHEREAS, Toby Sherman was guided throughout his life by his faith and enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg for many years; and
WHEREAS, Toby Sherman will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara; his children, Patrick, Jr., Mishal, and Tara, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Patrick Sherman, a revered member of the Bedford County community whose faith, service, and integrity inspired all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Patrick Sherman as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.