Charles Salisbury Sharp, Jr.

Charles Salisbury Sharp, Jr., died peacefully after a brief illness at New Hanover Regional Medical Center on February 11, 2010 surrounded by his loving family and the spirit of his higher power. Charlie was preceded in death by his mother Ann ?Sunny? Pearsall and father Charles Salisbury Sharp, Sr. of Hudson, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Susan Shepherd Sharp of Wilmington; his sons, Michael David Sharp of Morehead City and Jason Charles Sharp Nikki of Asheville; granddaughter, Makayla Sharp of Morehead City; a sister, Ann ?Mimi? Sharp Beatty Richard of Southern Pines; godson and nephew Richard Beatty Susan; great-nephews George and Burke Beatty, and many other caring family members and friends. Charlie was born in Dallas, Texas on January 29, 1945, and spent a very happy childhood in Hudson, Ohio. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and East Carolina University and served in the U.S. Army. He received his M.A. in Counseling and completed his doctoral coursework at Auburn University. Charlie enjoyed a long and accomplished career in the addiction treatment field, highlighted by over 16 years as the Executive Director of CRC Health Corp.?s Wilmington Treatment Center. Under his leadership, WTC experienced unprecedented growth in both size and scope of programming. He was an inspiration and mentor to many in the treatment industry, and by example helped many people find their way to a successful recovery. When not at home playing with his beloved dogs, Dodger and Molly, Charlie could be found on the golf course, his ?Cathedral of the 18 Holes.? He was best described by his oncologist as a ?cool old guy.? A celebration of Charlie?s life will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Wilmington Treatment Center, 2520 Troy Drive, Wilmington, NC, with The Rev. Bob Cook officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charlie?s memory to the Charlie Sharp Memorial Fund non-deductible, or the American Cancer Society / Relay for Life, both funds c/o Mandy Anderson-Ille, Wilmington Treatment Center, 2520 Troy Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401.