Sherwin LeRoy Utz Sr, 88, of Little River, SC, passed away peacefully at McLeod Seacoast Hospital on Thursday morning, January 30, 2025.

Born on April 22, 1936, in Taneytown, Carroll County, MD, he was the son of the late Bernard Utz and Margaret Straley.

Sherwin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 8, 1953, in Harrisburg, PA.  He completed boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation, he was transferred to Charlie Company, 2nd AmTrac Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC, where he was trained as a Diesel Mechanic and remained with the Battalion where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.  After his discharge in March 1956, he was employed by W. D. Groff & Sons where he retired after 38 years of service.

The family would like to thank the many hospice and VA nurses, caregivers, chaplains, and Davita kidney centers in Hanover, PA and Longs, SC who helped care for Sherwin over the years. Thank you to the Fletcher family and the staff of Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, for their professionalism, coordination and preparation for the visitation, and services today.

Sherwin was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Margaret Utz and by his son Sherwin LeRoy Utz, Jr.  He is survived by his wife of over 25 years Mary L. (Rafferty) Utz of Little River, SC; son Lynn Utz and wife Janet of North Atlanta, GA; stepson James Ellis and wife Carol of New Windsor, MD; stepdaughter Marie Barlow and husband Jackie of Little River, SC; and many nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Fletcher Funeral and Cremation Services, 254 East Main Street, Westminster, Maryland.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 12:00 pm with Jackie W. Barlow II officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Finksburg, Maryland.