Sherman Saunders was born on a farm in Ringgold, Virginia.  He is one of three children – having one sister and one brother.  As a child, he attended Hickory Tree Elementary under the tutelage of Ms. Alice Haden Merritt.

In 1963, he saw Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  This impressed him greatly and inspired him to strive to follow his teachings/beliefs.  He was in awe of the man who had the capability to become financially successful, but chose to give it up to continue his quest to create a better world.

Sherman served three years in the US army – which included eighteen months in Germany.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

After serving his country, Sherman decided to come home to Danville to further plant his roots.  He worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, but decided to leave the company to pursue a career in community work.

Sherman began working at Pittsylvania County Community Action, INC in 1970.  His career path began as a community outreach worker.  He was then promoted to Employment Services Director and shortly after, gained the promotion of Executive Director.

Through it all, Dr. King’s message continued to follow Sherman throughout his career and desire to involve himself in more community projects.  He was Vice President of the Virginia Community Action Agency in 1981 and became president in 1982.  1984 – 1988, he was a board member and Membership Chairman of National Community Action Agencies (that spanned all 50 states). For many years, he served on the Board of Directors for Danville Chamber of Commerce as well a member of Danville City Council.

Sherman has also received many gubernatorial appointments including Governor’s Manpower Planning Council and Virginia Block Grants Commission.

He has had the pleasure of serving Danville as Vice Mayor from July 2006 – December 2007.  He became Mayor on January 1, 2008 and kept that seat until June 30, 2016.

Other honors Sherman is proud to share include attending the inauguration of President Obama on January 20, 2009 as well as meeting and shaking hands with Obama in April 2012.

Sherman Saunders is a great staple of the Danville community and we salute him as one of our featured “Local Heroes.”

Alexis and Madison from the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce stopped by to talk about the Chamber and some upcoming events they are hosting virtually!

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Mr. Garry Pritchett, Native of Danville/Pittsylvania County

Dan River High Class of 1977

Averett University Class of 1981

Lettered in four sports for multiple years in High school: Basketball, Football, Baseball and Track & Field

He assisted to establish a running club at Averett which lead to the establishment of a track team in 1978.

Dan River Most Valuable Player” award recipient in basketball 1977

Two time MVP in Track and Field, 1975 and 1976 at DRHS

Named DRHS Most Outstanding Male Athlete” in 1977

Garry qualified for the VA State Track and Field Championship for two years and as a junior, he won the 1976 VA State Long Jump Championship.

He was inducted into the Dan River HS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.

Garry attended Averett University where he was a standout athlete, and member of the student government. He was a 3 year resident advisor and active in multiple campus organizations. He was student leader and was inducted into the Averett Athletic Hall of Fame for Basketball, Track & Field and service to the university. He remains active with Averett and is always willing to volunteer when asked to support.

Garry has been very active in the local community. He has worked in human services with youth and families for over 30 years. He has worked with The First Tee of Danville for 14 years and served as the director for 8 years. He was also inducted into the Danville Bowling Association Hall of Fame for his bowling success along with his 15 years of service as a Junior Bowling Coach and Board Member for the Danville Bowling Association.

Garry continues to be active in the Danville community. He is currently with Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services as a Prevention Program Manager working with youth, facilitating parenting programs in the community and in the local corrections facilities and directing a program for pregnant moms and new moms with children birth to 5. He is also active with RASAP the Regional Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention.

When time has allowed, Garry has volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, God’s Store House and the United Way. He is active with his church Bible Way and has been active with supporting events that serve youth and adults in the community through public housing, Boys & Girls Club and Parks and Recreation.