He was referred to as "Pappy" by those who were close to him in his later years. Born in Hart Co., KY, he was the son of the late George Riley and Lula Sharp. He was in the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country, he began a career at Kentucky & Indiana Railroad which was eventually purchased by Norfolk Southern Railroad where he would retire after 42 faithful years of devoted service. He was a quiet Christian and dedicated his time to reading the bible daily and listening to his favorite evangelist, Billy Graham.
Survivors include his children Melinda Fischer (Russ), Larry Sharpe (Linda), Donna Sharpe, Jeremy Sharpe (Cindy); step children Johnny Minks (Gale), Ronnie Minks, Susie Allen (Brian); grand-children Patrick Peyton, Ernest Vaught, Stephanie Vecchio, Mitchell Riordan, Angie Herrin, Richard Riordan, Kelly Minks, A.J. Vessels, Matt Minks, Karey Woods, Alexis Fertig, Tommy Sharpe, Joey Sharpe, Stella-Marie Sharpe, Mckenzie Linder, Chloe Sharpe, Jenny Minks, Sam Sharpe; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Margie Sharpe and five wonderful sisters Ina, Joan, Ida, Genevieve, and Fay.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Dignity Chapel of Evergreen Funeral Home. Following the service, Tommy will be laid to rest in the Garden of Eternal Love of the Evergreen Cemetery & Garden Mausoleums. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and then again on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 9:30 a.m until the Funeral Hour of 11:00 a.m. also at the Evergreen Funeral Home.
