William H. Sharp

William H. Sharp, born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 13, 1927 to the late Huston and Mary Sharp, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. A veteran of the armed forces, he joined the United States Army during World War II at the age of 18, was immediately made a Sergeant and later decorated with a World War II Victory Medal. He later began working for Ford Motor Company, where he held various positions throughout his career, including being chosen as an instructor for the Ford Marketing Institute. Highly regarded by all he worked with, he ultimately retired as an executive of the company as a District Parts and Sales Manager at the age of 58, after 40 years of service to the company. Both during and after retirement, he had owned many small businesses around Jacksonville and was a true entrepreneur at heart. His son, who was also his best friend, became partners in the real estate and mortgage business where they worked together for over 26 years. During those years they worked together, they shared lunch nearly every working day. Loving small businesses and having a desire to help others, he chose to donate his time to the SBA division called “SCORE” (Service Corp of Retired Executives), to help provide advice and guidance to small businesses in need of help. During his life, he had a passion for flying and boating where he shared both planes and boats with his closest friends. By demonstrating unwavering devotion to faith, family, fellow man and his country, the State of Kentucky honored him to be a Kentucky Colonel. He is survived by the love of his life, Frances with 53 years of marriage; his son, William H. Sharp, Jr. (wife Sondra and grandchildren, Lauren, Julia and Bill); his daughter Pamela Shore (husband Danny and grandchildren, Brandon and Emily); and his sister, Sharlene Bradley. His hard work, integrity, kindness to others and devotion to his family and friends had an impact on those around him that will live on forever. Being his friend made a difference in your life. The family will receive friends from five o’clock in the evening until seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at The Oaklawn Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, March 8, 2013 at Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deermeadows Baptist Church or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. Hardage-Giddens, The Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard is serving the family.