Sherard Shaw Jr. was a caring father, loving husband, and loyal friend to many. Those he mentored in the classroom and on the playing field simply knew him as Coach Shaw. He was driven to inspire his students and players to overcome adversity and succeed beyond what they believed possible. Coach Shaw was diagnosed with stomach and esophagus cancer in November of 1994, at age 42. Despite the challenges he faced, defeat was never an option he accepted. His battle with cancer was never about himself, but instead about being strong for his family, friends, and players. Despite his relentless fight, Coach Shaw lost his battle to cancer on the morning of November 7, 1995.

The Sherard Shaw Foundation seeks to inspire and motivate others to continue the fight against pediatric cancer. This cause demands the same determination and teamwork Coach Shaw demonstrated throughout his life. This foundation will support children’s cancer research hospitals and other 501(c)(3) organizations that are assisting children battling cancer. Our hope is to help provide patients, families, physicians, and scientists with all the resources necessary to fight against this challenging disease.

About Us

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Purpose

The Sherard Shaw Foundation was created to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Sherard Shaw—a beloved mentor, father, coach, and friend whose influence continues to inspire lives across generations.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire and motivate others to continue the fight against pediatric cancer. We believe in meeting people where they are, investing in their potential, and walking alongside them as they build toward a brighter future.

While our early events—especially the annual Golf Classic—helped bring people together to support the mission, today the Foundation reaches even further. From health-focused philanthropy to hands-on outreach efforts, we are expanding our impact every year.

Thanks to generous donors, loyal partners, and passionate volunteers, the Sherard Shaw Foundation has:

  • Awarded over $30,000 to Blair Batson Children’s Hospital to support pediatric care and critical services

  • Provided $6,000 in supplies benefiting kids with cancer, bringing comfort, care, and encouragement to young patients and their families

  • Sponsored youth development programs and community-based initiatives across the region

  • Grown a thriving donor base committed to creating lasting change

We are proud of what we’ve built—and even more excited for what’s ahead.

If you’d like to join us in this mission, whether through giving, partnering, or serving, we invite you to be part of the legacy Sherard started. Together, we are turning compassion into action and creating a ripple effect of hope.

Board of Directors

Dr. Barbara Craft
Associate Professor of Medicine/Oncology
University of Mississippi Medical Center

Dr. Jason Craft
Orthopedic Surgeon
Mississippi Sports Medicine

James Dryden
Capital Account Executive
Covidien

McKie Edmonson
The Park Companies Principal & Vice President of Asset Management

Mark Hosemann
Attorney
Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC

Whit Hughes
Foundation President & Chief Development Officer  Mississippi Baptist Health Systems

Peter Jernberg
President Emeritus,
Jackson Academy

Stan Jones
Associate Head Basketball Coach
Florida State University

Walker Jones
Sports Marketing Executive
Creative Arts Agency

Scott Polk
Vice President & Financial Advisor
Ameriprise Financial

Hastings Puckett
President
Puckett Machinery

Lance Puckett
Vice President, Petroleum Specialty Marketing ERGON

Eric Shaw
Agent
Caldwell Banker Kaiser Real Estate

Bubba Shaw
Regional Director
Biogen Idec

Richard Williams
Retired – Former Head Basketball Coach
Mississippi State Universit

Organization Description

The Sherard Shaw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization. Donations made to the foundation are tax-deductible.