Leroy Sharp Jr.

He was born in Kelso, Arkansas on December 5, 1933, to the late Leroy and Virginia Sharp of Camden, Arkansas. Leroy graduated from Camden High School, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Arkansas University and received a Master of Science from the University of Missouri.

He was mesmerized after bumping into Faye Adams at a local store and later convinced her to become his wife on September 1, 1957.

Leroy worked in Personnel and Staff Benefits for Shakespeare’s Fishing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, before moving the family to Columbia to serve as Supervisor in Staff Benefits for the campuses of University of Missouri. He served in that position from 1968 until he retired in 1992. One project he was most proud of was creating and directing the pre-retirement planning program that served all campus employees. He loved relating stories of his encounters with many Mizzou greats.

He was a Past President of Kiwanis in 1989-1990 and really enjoyed flipping pancakes and participating in the various club projects, like fishing out run-away hot dogs at the Food Bank. He was a proud member of Missouri United Methodist Church participating in the Bell Choir, Methodist Men’s, running the sound system and being an usher for the Sunday service. Leroy enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, running, bike riding and going to the ARC. While losing a family member is never easy, the family has been greatly supported by all the stories of how Leroy made folks feel and how they loved knowing him.

He was survived by his children Chip (Kathy) Sharp Rocheport, Kathryn (Phil) Sapp Columbia; grandchildren Megan (Nathan) Oberg, New Haven, Brittany (Frank) Foss, Southern Pines, NC, and Richard Sapp, Columbia. Leroy has 6, soon to be 7 great-grandchildren.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wife Faye Sharp, sister Martha Gatling, brother Gibbs Sharp.

Funeral services will be held at Missouri United Methodist Church on March 3, 2025, with visitation at 1 pm, funeral at 2 pm and graveside ceremony to follow at Columbia Cemetery. Here is a link to the live stream of the service at the church (link to follow). Those unable to attend can find a link to the livestream of the service at the MUMC Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/@MissouriUMC/streams

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Missouri United Methodist Church at 204 South 9th St., Columbia, MO 65203, or Kiwanis at P.O. Box 158, Columbia, MO 65205.