Sherman Parkey

Sherman Edward Parkey, 91, passed peacefully on December 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and under the compassionate care of the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Unit at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Kentucky. Born in Somerset on November 20, 1934, to William Esker Parkey and Iva Blanche (Randall) Parkey, Sherman grew up rooted in the values of hard work, humility, and devotion to family-qualities that shaped every part of his life.

On May 7, 1955, Sherman married the love of his life, Sharon Louise Wilson, in Somerset, Kentucky. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage filled with partnership, dedication, and a home where everyone felt welcome. He was the proud father of four children: Sandy (Roger) Toohey, Bruce (Lisa) Parkey, Beth (Teddy) Wilson, and Doug (Sandi) Parkey, all of Somerset.

Sherman was a devoted grandfather to ten grandchildren: Brooke (Chad) Gehring, Holly Neikirk, Kelly (Josh) Taylor, Jordan (Latoshia) Toohey, Eric (Katy) Wilson, Nathan (Rebecca) Parkey, Jeremy (Mary) Toohey, Landry Parkey, Gracyn Parkey, and Madyn Parkey. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. He dearly loved and cherished his many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and his very special Wilson in-laws, all of whom held a treasured place in his heart.

A man of remarkable dedication, Sherman worked 47 years at the Somerset Refinery, serving as Plant Manager and earning deep respect for his strong work ethic and steadfast reliability. After retiring, he continued serving his community for 15 additional years in the Maintenance Department at Somerset Oakwood, where he formed meaningful friendships and offered his steady, dependable presence.

Sherman was a lifelong member of Pleasant Run Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in many roles including Trustee, Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Sunday School teacher. He was also a proud Gideon. His love for Jesus was strong and abiding, and he lived a life that consistently pointed others to Christ through quiet humility, consistent kindness, and unwavering faith. He enjoyed gardening, trips to the farm, and ending each day with Bible study and prayer.

Known for his steady discipline and gentle heart, Sherman stayed active and connected to the community throughout his life. He was a familiar face at the Rocky Hollow Recreation Center, where he walked more than 20,000 miles, and he also enjoyed the camaraderie of a bowling league he was part of for many years. A respected basketball player at Shopville High School, he loved cheering for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kentucky Wildcats. Above all, he was a devoted parent and grandparent who took great joy in attending his grandchildren's events and celebrating their lives.

Sherman was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Glen Parkey; and his sisters, Edna (Clifford) Whitaker, Ruby (Edwin) Gragg, Pauline (Jewell) Beasley, and Vera (Charles) Richardson. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, humble kindness, and the love he shared so freely with all who knew him.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Neighborhood, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, and the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Unit, along with special friends Albert and Elaine Whitson, for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to the Randall Cemetery c/o Pulaski Funeral Home - P.O. Box 697 Somerset, KY 42502.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, and honorary pallbearers will be his Pleasant Run Sunday School class.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home with Bro. David Dykes officiating.

Burial will be in Randall Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, December 5, 2025 at Pulaski Funeral Home and after 9:00 AM Saturday, until time for services.

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.