Dr. Christopher Dewey Sharp

Dr. Christopher Dewey Sharp, born in August 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on March 14, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee with his loving family by his side.

He was the beloved husband of Jennifer Stockbridge Sharp and the proud father of their daughter, Brighton Cathey Sharp. He is survived by his parents Dewey and Kathleen Sharp and was preceded in death by his daughter, Kadence Jeannene Sharp.

Dr. Sharp's journey in life was indeed marked by resilience and determination. As a survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma, he faced the challenges of cancer at a young age of 10 with bravery and tenacity. When he was young, Chris had a passion for baseball and showcased his skills as a catcher during his youth. Additionally, while attending Pope John Paul High School in Slidell, Louisiana, he played football on the offensive line, demonstrating his athleticism and dedication. After graduating from high school in 1993, Dr. Sharp pursued higher education at Louisiana Tech University. In 1998, he successfully obtained his degree in biomedical engineering, a testament to his academic prowess and commitment to his studies. During his time at Louisiana Tech, Chris became an esteemed member of the Alpha Tau Omega, Zeta Chi fraternity, where he held various leadership positions, including serving as president in 1996/1997. His involvement in fraternity leadership showcased his natural ability to lead and his dedication to making a positive impact within his community. It was September 1997 when he met Jennifer, the love of his life, whom he married in the summer of 1999. Embarking on a journey filled with love, joy, adventure and cherished memories, they were always surrounded by the love of their family and friends. The couple faced challenges in their journey to have children, enduring the heartbreaking loss of their newborn daughter, Kadence Jeanenne, in 2004. The duration of their marriage continued to serve as a testament to the strength of their bond, and their faith was rewarded when they were blessed with their daughter, Brighton Cathey, in June 2011. In June 2024, they would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Chris took immense pride in being a father to Brighton, relishing in every moment spent with her and the opportunities fatherhood provided. He enjoyed playing golf with her, teaching her how to snowboard, and wake surfing. Sharing in the excitement as she showcased her skills on the course, snow, and water. Brighton aspires to follow in her father's footsteps and become an anesthesiologist. His journey through education and extracurricular activities exemplified his resilience, determination and passion for personal and academic growth. These qualities undoubtedly shaped his character and prepared him for the remarkable achievements and contributions he made throughout his life. Chris continued his studies as a postgraduate, earning his Masters and Medical Doctorate from LSU Shreveport followed by residency at the University of Washington completing subspecialty training in Anesthesiology, where he discovered his love for trauma anesthesia. In trauma care, he discovered his unique abilities to remain calm amidst the chaos and provide a steady hand for the patient and his colleagues to successfully navigate any difficult circumstance. These abilities led him to start his professional career as a trauma anesthesiologist at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. Later, he transitioned to private practice with East Memphis Anesthesia Services (EMAS), where he continued to serve the Memphis community providing a boutique anesthesia experience. Chris' vision for EMAS was to emphasize family values and loyalty among his collogues as well as to foster strong relationships with the surgeons who so diligently care for patients. Simultaneously, Chris actively engaged in the political and governance sphere of anesthesia. He served on multiple state and national association committees, including the Ethics and Ambulatory Surgery Center Committees of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the executive board of the Tennessee Society of Anesthesiologists (TSA) serving as president in 2022 all in service of the patient population he cared for by advocating for their interests and needs in addition to those of his peer physicians amongst governing legislators. He also found great joy in assisting aspiring students with their applications to medical school and residency programs, providing sound guidance and the encouragement to help them achieve their goals. His dedication to his profession and his commitment to supporting and uplifting others in their medical journeys exemplified his compassionate and selfless nature. His impact on his colleagues, students, and the medical community at large will be remembered and cherished for years to come. His pursuit of excellence extended far beyond his professional endeavors, as he had a true zest for life. He had a deep love for outdoor activities. He was an avid duck hunter, spending many an early morning in the duck pit with his brother John Stockbridge Jr., close friends, and his beloved Drahthaar dogs, Gewehra (V) and Kajun. In addition to duck hunting, he was very involved in fundraising for Ducks Unlimited. He also had a passion for golf, snowboarding, and spending time on the lake. In recent years, he found joy in teaching water skiing and wake surfing to friends and family of all ages on Lewis Smith Lake. He also had a discerning palate and a deep appreciation for fine bourbon. He enjoyed collecting rare and sought-after bottles, always eager to share them with friends.

Staying true to his New Orleans roots, he had a special fondness for Mardi Gras, and he maintained an active membership role with the Krewe of Endymion. He enthusiastically participated in the Krewe's annual Mardi Gras festivities, riding the parade route with his close friends. Chris always knew how to create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Most recently, he and his wife hosted their annual crawfish boil at their home, bringing together family, friends, and colleagues from all over for a festive gathering to share the communion and camaraderie they so deeply believed in together. These personal aspects of his life added to the richness of his character and the joy he brought to those around him. His love for outdoor activities, celebrations, and creating cherished memories will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Dr. Sharp will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. He left an indelible impact on the lives of those he encountered, both personally and professionally. His dedication to his profession, his unwavering love for his family, and his passion for life will always be remembered and cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be directed to either the support of his daughter, Brighton Sharp, or the support of his favorite organization, Ducks Unlimited. Support in Brighton's name may be given to Jennifer Sharp directly or you may contact James Cook at Raymond James at 901-440-1231. To support Ducks Unlimited, visit the following dedicated website: www.memphisducks.org