Sherman Franklin Venz

Sherman Venz, 85, of Helena, AL passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, June 2, 2019 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born June 11, 1933 to Carver and Emma Venz of Bessemer, AL he was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, J Dean Gilbert and his beloved wife of 59 years, Martha Venz (Tapper). He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Venz (James Alexander) Birmingham, Teresa Venz-Williamson (Ken) Vestavia Hills and Susan Doss (Floyd) Fultondale; his brothers, Edward Venz (Virginia) Bessemer, and Donald Venz (Nancy) Lake City, FL and his sister, Faye Martin (O'Dell) High Springs, FL, as well as seven grandchildren: Colin and Sean Alexander, Kyle and Brody Williamson, Phillip and Adam Doss, Brittany Noojin (Casey); one great granddaughter, Amelia Swann and many nephews and nieces. A veteran of the United States Naval Medical Corps, Sherman completed his Bachelors of Science Degree in 1960 from Howard College, now Samford University (Birmingham) and earned his Masters of Arts degree in Management and Supervision: Health Care Administration in 1979 from Central Michigan University. Beginning with a year long internship in medical technology, 1959 - 60 at Lloyd Noland Hospital in Fairfield, AL. Sherman spent the following twenty-eight years at Lloyd Noland rising to the positions of Laboratory Manager and Chief of the Lloyd Noland School of Medical Technology. Under his leadership the school was recognized as an outstanding program drawing students from across the state. In 1990 Sherman became the Laboratory Manager for Bessemer Carraway Hospital, now UAB Medical Center West, where he continued his legacy of quiet yet strong leadership and excellence in teaching until his retirement in 2004. More than just an employer, Sherman is lovingly remembered as a teacher, mentor and friend to the hundreds of students he inspired to follow his path and to the many former colleagues who fondly refer to him as "The one who invented laboratory medicine." Devoted to his family and a man of deep faith, he and Martha raised their daughters in an atmosphere of high expectations tempered by humor, love and grace while teaching by example how to live a moral and ethical life. They celebrated with joy the accomplishments of their daughters, opened their hearts to their sons-in-law, mentored their nieces and nephews, and loved beyond measure their adored grandchildren and great grandchild. With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our Daddy, our Brother, our Father-in-law, our Granddaddy and our Uncle. We are comforted by the knowledge that he is reunited with our mother in the loving arms of God. An active member of the Parish of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church in Bessemer, his funeral mass will be held Friday June 7, 2019 at Saint Aloysius Catholic Church at 12:00 noon with burial following at Valhalla Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time.

Sherman Franklin Venz

June 11, 1933 - June 2, 2019