In Memoriam
Sherwood A. Mobley
1956 - 2016
The Greenville Symphony Orchestra mourns the loss of our Executive Director, Sherwood Mobley. Sherwood died on February 26, 2016 after a brief illness. He was 59 years old.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Executive Director, Sherwood Mobley," said Greenville Symphony Association President, Lee Dixon. "Sherwood was well-known and much loved member of the Greenville Symphony by its musicians, supporters and staff, as well as the Upstate community. He was a wonderful man and a gift to all of us. On behalf of the board of directors, we would like to convey our deepest condolences to Sherwood's family."
"Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved Executive Director, musician and friend, Sherwood Mobley," said Greenville Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, Edvard Tchivzhel. "Whether Sherwood was playing timpani on stage, introducing children throughout the Greenville County School District to the joys of music, or leading the administrative staff in our office, he made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his loss is deeply felt and mourned by all who knew him."
Sherwood joined the Greenville Symphony in 1991 as Principal Timpanist, and continued performing in this role until September 2014 when he was named Interim Executive Director. He was then named Executive Director of the Greenville Symphony Association in December 2014. In addition to his artistic role with the orchestra, Sherwood served as Manager of Orchestra Personnel and Operations from 1996 to 2004. In 2004 he focused on the duties of Manager of Orchestra Personnel. In 2011 he resumed his role of Director of Operations and Orchestra Personnel. Sherwood also served on the faculty of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities from 1999 until September 2014. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Boston Conservatory, and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Paden Mobley, and his two daughters, Naomi and Sarah Mobley, who reside in Simpsonville, SC.
A service to celebrate Sherwood's life will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Greenville, conducted by the Reverend Dr. Baxter Wynn, the Reverend Dr. Jim Dant and the Reverend Kyle Matthews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. in the Narthex of the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request memorials be made to the Sherwood Mobley Education and Community Engagement Fund of the Greenville Symphony, 200 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601, or to the Music Fund of the First Baptist Church of Greenville, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Please note, this weekend's Chamber Orchestra concert, "Mediterranean Cuisine" will perform as scheduled on February 26, 27 and 28, in tribute to Sherwood.