Sweetwater, TN

In honor of

Joe Sherlin, Sweetwater’s Local Historian

Joe Sherlin's head shot A bench is proudly and lovingly provided as a space for rest, relaxation and reflection in honor of Joe and Carolyn Sherlin. Joe was born on McCaslin Avenue in Sweetwater in 1925 and was a proud graduate and the last living member of the Sweetwater High School Class of 1943. One of Joe’s fondest memories was coming downtown to this spot in 1939 to meet the undefeated Tennessee Volunteer football team on their train journey to play in the Rose Bowl. Upon graduation from high school, Joe served in the 361st Infantry Division in Italy during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart. After the Allied victory, he returned to Sweetwater and attended Hiwassee College, where we he met, courted and eventually married Caroyln (Cureton) Sherlin from Newport, Tennessee. Joe and Carolyn strongly believed in the power of education to change lives, and upon graduation from the University of Tennessee; made their home in Sweetwater, where they served as educators at Tennessee Military Institute (TMI) and in the Sweetwater City School system for over four decades.

Joe and Carolyn also believed that investing in the community where you put down roots is the responsibility of citizens. They were active and proud servants in the Sweetwater United Methodist Church and a variety of community organizations in Sweetwater throughout their lives. The spirit of active engagement in Sweetwater by its citizens can be felt by visitors and new arrivals to this day. Their four children are proud to honor their memories and appreciate that the fates brought you to this spot and led you to learn about Joe and Carolyn. After enjoying our downtown square; as Joe served as Sweetwater’s residential historian for decades, we encourage you to check out the remodeled historic train-car with a running video history of the town and the Sweetwater Heritage Museum on the corner of North and High Streets.