Ronald Welch Sharp

Ronald Welch Sharp, 79, husband of Beverly Massie Sharp died at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, October 7. To say he will be dearly missed is simply not enough.

Ron was born May 23, 1944, in Lexington, KY to the late Clinton and Anna Bell Holman Sharp. To Ron, “our prime purpose in this life is to help others,” a motto which proved to be quite fortuitous when he pulled over to change a tire one Kentucky evening. For it was there he met his future wife and soulmate, Beverly.

His interests were as varied as his life’s path. Even to the end, he never turned down an opportunity for his next adventure, and he was always dressed for the occasion. Who doesn’t love a reason to buy new shoes? His ability to recall even the smallest detail was better than IBM’s Watson.

Ron worked as a pool boy, bowling alley pinsetter, grocery clerk, and even had a short stint at the McDonald’s during his youth. After high school, he served for 13 years in the Army National Guard. He loved retiring so much, he tried it twice, once from IBM after over thirty years of work there and later from the State of Kentucky after an additional 18 years. Most recently he served as an account analyst for Jacobs Construction in Raleigh. An avid learner, if something piqued his interest he would volunteer, he served as a fireman, church deacon, starting line official for IHRA, tour guide for the Kentucky Horse Farms, and was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Ron is survived by his children, Kelley Sharp and her husband David Jacobs of Raleigh, NC; Thad Sharp and his wife Dana of Silver Spring, MD; and his grandchildren, Morgan and Nina.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Sawyer Welch Sharp, and his brother Donald.

A celebration of life was held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh.

The family welcomes donations to Make-a-Wish, by using the link below, under 'Donations', in memory of both Ron and Sawyer Sharp in lieu of flowers or gifts.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Ron, or a message of condolence for is family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.