Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 13, 2025

CHARLOTTE - Sherman Douglas Hager, age 84, of Matthews died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on August 13, 2025, after a short battle with T-cell lymphoma.  Sherman’s life certainly was a testament to his faith, as he participated in over twenty-five mission trips, most of which were to the Caribbean and Central America to help with the completion of church construction projects.  He was always one of the first to volunteer on hurricane disaster relief teams throughout the southeastern United States. 

Born on January 3, 1941, Sherman loved gospel music, especially quartets, and he enjoyed attending the National Quartet Convention each year.  After taking piano lessons at an early age, his love of piano only grew into adulthood.  He would often be found not only playing the piano for his family at home but also at his church and local nursing homes.

An avid runner, he could frequently be found running local 5K races and generally complained about having to beat those young 70 year olds in his age category.  He reminisced about having biked in 41 of the 50 states and has even ridden his bike across the state of North Carolina multiple times in both charity and pleasure rides.  Sherman’s travels included many adventures such as hiking the deserts of Israel, spending a night camping on top of Mt. Sinai, visiting the sites of the seven churches of Revelation and many cruises.

Sherman realized after retiring from Duke Energy after thirty-eight years that the retirement life was not for him; so, he began his second career at Second Harvest Food Bank, which combined his accounting background with his love of helping others.  When he retired a second time from the food bank, he was one of longest serving employees there.

Sherman was preceded in death by his parents, James and Janie Hager, of Huntersville.  He is survived by his wife of almost 38 years, Kay Hager, and his step-daughter, Sally Hentz, who truly was his daughter in every sense of the word as well as his best buddy who accompanied him on many of his mission trips, traveling adventures, races, and bike rides.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law Nancy Wise (Walter) and Kelly Shealy; nephew Matt Wise (Susie); niece Katie Wise (Andrew Crawford), and great niece Mae.

Sherman loved attending Carmel Baptist Church where he was a member since 1998.  He was an active participant of the E3 small group, which was an integral part of his life.  The members of E3 were more like family to him than friends.

A service to celebrate Sherman's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 6 at Carmel Baptist Church in the main sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Sherman’s memory to Carmel Baptist Church – Helping Hands Ministry, the Charlotte Rescue Mission, Finish the Wall (Work) or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.