Paul Constantine Sherbakoff

Sherbakoff, Paul Constantine – age 85, of Knoxville, TN, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 20, at Parkwest Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was a long time member of Bearden United Methodist Church and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Proceeded in death by his father, Dr. C.D. Sherbakoff, and his mother, Maysie Gibson Sherbakoff. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Morris Sherbakoff; daughter, Paula Sherbakoff Brown and husband Mike of Franklin, TN; son T. Lee Sherbakoff and wife Charla of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Anna Mitchell Brown, M. Daniel Brown, Rachel Lee Sherbakoff and Thomas Paul Sherbakoff. Paul was born in Knoxville on July 10, 1927, and graduated from Central High School in 1945. After serving in the Navy with operations in the Pacific, he attended the University of Tennessee, was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and played in the "Pride of the Southland" Marching Band. After graduating in 1950, he and Ann were married. He soon became a well known figure on campus and throughout Tennessee as the director of the Student Center and Student Activities. From there, he became a successful hotelier as co-founder of the Sheraton Campus Inn and later as General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Throughout his career, he was the unofficial ambassador and host for Knoxville. He welcomed and hosted officials and luminaries, including four Presidents of the United States, various heads of states of foreign nations, and numerous celebrities. He relished the opportunities given him to know people of all walks of life and from around the globe. He then served the City of Knoxville as Director of the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum from 1990 until he retired in 1997. While at the Hyatt Regency he was instrumental in establishing the University of Tennessee's College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. He was twice president of the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association, and in 2003 received its first annual honorary Pauly Award as the outstanding hotelier of the year. The Pauly Awards are named in honor of Paul, a leader for the tourism industry in Knoxville. The annual Pauly Awards are presented to individuals and businesses for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the tourism industry. Other civic activities included co-chair of the 1974 Dogwood Arts Festival, chair of the Knox County Tourist Commission, and various boards of the Knoxville Zoo and the Tennessee Film Commission. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Knoxville. There will be a celebration of Paul's life officiated by Reverend Mike Sluder and Reverend Charla Sherbakoff on Friday, November 23, at 6:00 pm at Bearden United Methodist Church with a reception immediately following. Interment will be on Saturday morning at 10:00 am at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bearden United Methodist Church Building Fund, 4407 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Paul Constantine Sherbakoff

July 10, 1927 - November 20, 2012