Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Virginia Sharp. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Francine Lee Moman Sharp; his sons, Jon Frank Sharp and Jason Eric Sharp (Misty); his brother, Jack Sharp; his grandsons, Todd Franklin Sharp and Parker Andrew Sharp; as well as extended family and many colleagues and friends.
Joe had an intense curiosity and loved to learn. After attending Auburn University for undergraduate, he worked as an electrical engineer for General Electric in New Jersey. In his late 20’s, Joe decided to go back to school and become a doctor. He completed his pre-med classes at Birmingham Southern College before attending UAB for medical school and residency.
Joe served as a pediatrician for 35 years and was passionate about his work. Pediatrics allowed Joe to utilize his great talents of service, empathy and patience in the care of children of all ages that needed his help. His patients would often run to hug him when he entered the waiting room because they, like his family, always knew he loved them. He leaves behind a legacy of many lives cured, healed, and saved and many hearts touched with his humility and compassion.
Joe was a Boy Scout Leader for his sons’ troops and a great lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed working on cars, tinkering, woodworking, taking care of his pets and making household repairs (with mixed success).
Joe had a heart for others. Whether you called him Dr. Joe, Joe Frank, friend, husband, brother, father or pop, he treated us all with great love and an unending kindness that was uniquely his.
A celebratory gathering for Joe of family and friends will be held Thursday, June 6, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the Alabama Children's Hospital Foundation at https://www.childrensal.org/donate-now.
