William Newton Sharp III

Dr. William Newton Sharp III, age 84, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026. The family will hold a private service on Thursday, April 9th, 2026. Following the service, they will welcome visitors and friends after 3:00 pm at his daughter’s home on Cora Drive.

Newton (to some known as Buddy) was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 6, 1941. He was the son of the late William Newton Sharp Jr. and Margaret Young Sharp. He married the love of his life, Beverly Jackie Sharp, on October 17, 1962. They were happily married for 60 years before she passed away in 2023. They raised their family in Columbus, Georgia.

A man of unwavering dedication and integrity, Newton built his life on hard work and a deep commitment to his goals. He graduated from Opelika High School in 1960 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University in 1964, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Continuing his education, he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1967 from the University of Alabama and was a member of the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. After college, Newton served as a Captain in the United States Air Force for two years. His education and work ethic laid the foundation for a respected career. In 1969, he started his private dental practice in Columbus, Georgia, where he served patients for over fifty years.

When he wasn’t drilling and filling, you would always find him with a tennis racket in hand. He was active in the USTA circuit throughout his life and was a fixture on the local courts. He played in many tennis clubs around Columbus, including: The Columbus Tennis Club, Cooper Creek Tennis Club, The Columbus Country Club, and the Green Island Country Club. He won numerous tournaments throughout the South, starting in his senior year of high school, when he was the state doubles champion. He truly had a passion for the game. Along the way, he formed friendships with those he played with and against. Their love and zest for the game brought them together, and the bonds they made were lifelong, on and off the court.

Newton will also be remembered for a life centered around family, laughter, and adventure. Newton was known for his quick wit and ability to make others laugh. He loved a good joke and could deliver one perfectly, often followed by his contagious laugh. Nothing brought him more joy than watching loved ones do what they loved- especially days spent together on Lake Martin. Whether cheering from the deck, or boat as the kids and grandkids skied and tubed across the waves, or celebrating a leap from Chimney Rock. He found happiness in those shared moments. He leaves behind countless memories of karaoke nights on the deck, long boat rides, and sunset cruises with his family and friends.

Newton is survived by his daughter, Margaret Katherine “Marty” (Ken) Chung; a son, Matthew Tyler “Matt” (Jill) Sharp; his grandchildren, Joy (Marc) Shannon, Dr. Dolan (Taylor) Mitchell, Chandler Chung, Chance Chung, Hope (P.J.) Spina, and Bailey Sharp; great-grandchildren, Lily Kate Shannon, Jes Shannon, Katherine Blake “K.B” Mitchell, and Hall Mitchell; his sisters, Bebe Holland, and Caroleta (Lee) Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Columbus CORTA in his name. https://form.jotform.com/92126362185961