Sherman Ray North passed away peacefully, after 90 amazing years of life, on February 19, 2015 at the Crane Nursing Home in Crane, Texas. Sherman was born in Amarillo, Texas, on April 25, 1924, to Ezra Sherman and Sophia North. He grew up during the depression with little support from parents or family. Sherman joined the US Navy on March 16, 1943. This afforded him 3 square meals a day and a trip or two around the world. He honorably served as a Water Tender Third Class in the United States Navy for 3 years upon the USS Gansevoort during World War II. He was honorably discharged on March 8, 1946.On June 15, 1946, he married the love of his life, Ila Merle Franks from Midland, Texas. She was by his side until the very end. Together, they had three children, Rubert Ray (Butch), Linda Marie, and Sammy Lynn. Sherman and Ila spent their married years in both Midland and then Fort Stockton where they owned a ceramic shop which was filled with many friends while she painted and taught and he fired all their creations. Side by side they lived an adventurous yet humble Christian life. Sherman Ray North is survived by his wife, Ila Merle North of Crane, son Ray North and wife Glorietta of Crane, daughter Linda Marie of Odessa, son Sam North and wife Lori of Plano, granddaughter Amanda Sierra and husband Fabian of Crane, granddaughter, Vanessa Evans of Sunset, grandson Charles North of Mansfield, granddaughters Hayley and Ella North of Plano, and 7 great-grandchildren Nikaya, Zoe, and Kratos of Crane and Kellyn, Kohl, Britain, and Blake of Sunset. There will be a viewing at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home in Midland, Texas on Sunday, February 22 from 1:00 to 9:00 pm and Monday from 8:00 to 11:30 am on February 23. Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 23, at 1:00 pm at Serenity Memorial Gardens with Pastor Curry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com. ,
