Rupert, or "Boot" as he was fondly called for most of his life, grew up in Bush, LA. From a young age, he enjoyed fast cars and hunting. He also possessed a love of fishing that persisted throughout his life. Like many born in southern Louisiana, Boot carved a living by working both on land and in the water. By river, Boot worked in “tug-boatin,” operating and navigating a tug-boat through barges along the length of the mighty Mississippi river, down to the Atchafalya Basin, and into Lake Pontchartrain. During these years, his nickname was often amended to “Boot-Jack” by both friends and colleagues. Later, Boot-Jack discovered his passion on land, and what would become his long-time career, behind the wheel of a big-rig truck. From the seat of the big-rigs he drove, the young Louisiana man discovered his path and carved out a living for himself, and later, his family.
Rupert cared deeply for his family, and after his sons were born, desired to expand their horizons and show them more of the world around them. Luckily, as a truck driver, he was able to do that with relative ease. He and his family lived in various locations across the southern US. They resided in Atlanta, GA and Memphis, TN, to name a few, before returning to Rupert’s home state of Louisiana. He and his family ultimately settled in Bossier City, LA. Rupert then began work at Foremost Dairies, a job which gave him the flexibility to dedicate evenings and weekends to his family. Ultimately, he and his family made a home in the small northwest-Louisiana town where he would spend the rest of his life.
Rupert was preceded in death by his mother Edna Glass; father Leslie Sharp; his first wife and mother of his children, Bobbi Sharp; and 5 brothers.
Rupert is survived by his loving wife, Debra Goza Sharp; his sons Dwain (wife Stacy) Sharp, Scott (wife Suzanne) Sharp, and Jeff (wife Samantha) Sharp, and his step-children, Michael C. Graf Jr, Mathew (wife Laura) Graf, and Katherine Ray.
Left to carry on the legacy of their beloved "Pa Paw Boot" are 21 grandchildren: Hannah Tweedel, Alexis Clark, Saige Sharp, Corey Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Trent Sharp, Ashely Sharp, Katelyn Flynn, Conner Cannon, Collin Sharp, Seth Sharp, and Tyler Sharp; Taylor Graf, Adam Ray Jr., Ruby and Gracie "The Twins" Ray, Khailee Graf, Zachary Spurlock, Khileigh Graf, Greyson Graf, Michael Graf III; in addition to 6 great-grandchildren, with 3 more due in the summer of 2022.
Our deepest heartfelt thanks to Katherine Ray for all the loving care she gave boot over the last few years.
A visitation for Rupert will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hill Crest Memorial in Haughton, Louisiana. The funeral will follow at 2:00 PM, with Gene Gibson presiding and Chad Mills assisting. Interment will be within the Hill Crest Memorial Park at approximately 3:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillCrestMemorialFH.com for the Sharp family.
