Obituary of William J. Sharp, Jr.

William “Bill” Sharp, age 88, passed peacefully at home on January 19, 2023. He was comfortable in his favorite chair with his wife of 66 years, Becky, at his side having just returned from a walk in the sunshine.  He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.  For Bill, family was most important over everything else.  He appreciated the simple things in life like taking in a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, picnicking with his children/grandchildren, bike riding with his wife, camping with his grandson, swimming with dolphins, and playing tennis with family and friends (Bill was an avid tennis player and fan), sailing, fishing, and crabbing – teaching two generations of Sharps how to crab.  In every pursuit, Bill was gentle, caring and kind. 

Bill used his “fix anything/problem solving” skills to improve his homes along with the college campuses he looked after during his career in university facilities management.  Bill’s professional and personal service background includes attending Springfield (YMCA) College in Massachusetts, earning his BS, Mechanical Engineering degree from Drexel University in 1965 which propelled him and his young family to Carnegie Mellon University where he held the position of Mechanical Engineer until 1969.  From Pittsburgh, Bill and Becky moved their family to Granville, Ohio where Bill accepted the position of Denison University’s Director of Physical Plant / Facilities that he would hold until his retirement and relocation to South Carolina in 1996.  During his career, Bill served as Secretary of the National Association of Physical Plant Administrators.  Upon retiring on Hilton Head Island, Bill served as the Commodore of the Hilton Head Plantation (HHP) Yacht Club, Vice President of the HHP Dock Association, Secretary of the Association of Low Country Past Commodores, and the President of the Dolphin Point Club.  Bill was active in the First Presbyterian Church over his lifetime, serving as the youngest Deacon at Greenhill Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware at 29 years of age. Becky and Bill were married in this church in 1957.  Generations of Sharp family members were laid to rest in the Greenhill Church’s cemetery along with Grace Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware.  Bill’s involvement with the Presbyterian Church continued throughout his life in his volunteer service in roles on Session and through Ushering and Maintenance.  Bill also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of South Carolina. He was passionate about swimming (pools and the ocean) throughout his life beginning in his involvement with the YMCA in his youth.

 

Bill is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Glackin Sharp; by his sister, Elaine Soutar of Wilmington, Delaware; by his daughter, Rebecca D. Sharp (Becki) and his grandson David Z. Sharp -- both of Mars Hill, North Carolina; by his son, Thomas (Tom) Marshall Sharp of Johnstown, Ohio; by his granddaughter, Madeline R. Sharp of Westerville, Ohio; by his grandson/namesake William (Will) W. Sharp of Marquette, Michigan; and by his grandson and granddaughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Rochelle De Vries and Scott T. Sharp of Westlake, Ohio.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William James Sharp, Sr. and Margaret Marshall Sharp; his grandparents Thomas and Sarah Marshall; and his sister Beverly Krug – all of Wilmington, Delaware.

 

Bill loved and was loved; may the memories he made throughout his life be preserved and cherished by those whom he loved as well as those who will follow him in subsequent Sharp family generations.  May Bill rest in peace comforted by God’s eternal love for him and by the love of those who loved him along with those who will come to learn of Bill’s life and his love of his family in future generations to come - forevermore.

 

A private family service will be held by the ocean that he loved so much.  Donations in Bill’s honor may be made to Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (VIM), based in Hilton Head, SC where Becky volunteers her nursing skills to present.  More information regarding VIM may be found at vimclinic.org and at Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Hilton Head Island, 15 Northridge Drive, Hilton Head, SC, 29926.