Gary A. Sherrife, 72, of Monroe, NC, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, and Youngsville, PA, died Monday, May 11 in Monroe, NC. He was born December 4, 1942 in Olean, NY, and had been active in the oil and construction trades in Pennsylvania, Florida, and North Carolina. Gary was always upbeat and loved to joke and tease. He never missed an opportunity to find some hilarity in nearly every situation. He always had an encouraging message for anyone who was going through a difficulty in their lives and helped many a troubled friend or neighbor through hard times. Gary leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Doreen, and five sons, James and his wife, Vikki ( Morris) and Jesse and Barry of North Carolina, Gary E. of Pennsylvania, and Mark of Texas, a daughter, Melinda Sherrife of Pennsylvania, several grand children and a handful of great grand children. In addition he and Doreen shared their home with an acquired daughter, Farrah Finley of Alabama. He is also survived by two sisters, Marilynne Baker of North Carolina, and Corlana McCartney of Pennsylvania. One of the highlights of his recent life was when he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Graceland. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Sherrife and Marjorie V. Mowrey and a sister Nancy Strait. At the request of the family, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of their choice. Jonathan Dwain Holland Funeral Service Licensee is honored to care for the Sherrife family. Online condolences may be made at www.jonathandhollandfsl.com