Dr. Earnest Earl Sherrod, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2021 at the home of Angelia Sherrod in McLeansville, NC. He was born August 10, 1939 in Wilson, NC to Solomon and Mildred Lassiter Sherrod, Jr., both of whom preceded him in death.

Earnest excelled academically at C.H. Darden High School where he graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1957. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), proudly graduating in 1961 with the highest educational distinction of honors, Summa Cum Laude. Earnest was a lifelong learner at heart and believed in the rewards of a higher education. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1966. and thereafter, he went on to pursue and earn a Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1977.

Earnest married his high school sweetheart Betty Joyce Cooper on May 26, 1959. To this union three daughters and one son were born: Bonita Shermillia Sherrod, Earnest Earl Sherrod II, Mildred Joyce Sherrod and Angelia Monique Sherrod. He and Betty divorced in September of 1978.

Earnest was employed by the Department of Defense as an Electrical Engineer at Fort Monmouth Army base in Fort Monmouth, NJ. After a 5-year tenure, Earnest relocated to Greensboro, NC where he accepted a faculty position with his old alma mater, N.C. A&T in 1966 as a Professor of Electrical Engineering. He held professional memberships with some of the world’s largest technical organizations to include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and American Society of Electrical Engineers (ASEE). Additionally, he served in the U.S. Air Force ROTC.

Earnest pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Chapter on the campus of N.C. A&T University. He was an active member of the fraternity throughout his college years and beyond. He was a huge sports fan and his all-time favorite sports team was the N.C. A&T Aggies. Earnest held season tickets for both Aggie’s football and basketball teams. He was also known to bring his grandchildren or children with him to some of the games. Earnest loved to cook and grille. Some of his best dishes were his whole chicken, steak and his world-famous Thanksgiving turkey. Earnest retired in 2000 with over 30 years of service from N.C. A&T. He continued to support the Aggies in retirement by regularly attending basketball and football games.

Earnest is preceded in death by his sisters Anne Taylor and Welter Sherrod-Honey.

Earnest is survived by his ex-wife and friend of over 25 years Betty J. Sherrod of Greensboro, NC; three daughters, Bonita S. Sherrod, Mildred J. Sherrod both of Greensboro, NC and Angelia M. Sherrod of McLeansville, NC; one son Earnest E. Sherrod, II and daughter-in-law Cassandra Sherrod II of Laurel, MD; two brothers, Otis L. (Mary) and Michael A. Sherrod both of Wilson, NC; two sisters Joann Sherrod-Best and Tisha M. Thompson; one grandson, Adonis O. Sherrod; four granddaughters, Ashley C., Chanel N., Ariel M. Sheares and Jadyn A. Sherrod; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

His Celebration of life service will be on Saturday, December 11, 2021 in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Visitation is at 12:30 pm and the service will begin at 1 pm.

Burial will follow at Forest Lakeview Memorial Park,3600 North O'Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.