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July 7, 1924 - March 30, 2015 Richard Merle Sharp, of Kirkwood-by-the River in Irondale, formerly of Mountain Brook, Alabama, died March 30, 2015. Dick was born on July 7, 1924 in Lexington, Illinois to the late Orval and Ethel (Messer) Sharp, the eldest of three children. Following graduation in 1942 from Lexington High School, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served his country during World War II as a First Lieutenant B-24 pilot with the 8th Air Force, 458th BG, in Norwich, England. Following the war, he returned to Illinois and matriculated at the University of Illinois, graduating with a BS in Agricultural Engineering. On August 22, 1949, he married his high school classmate, Mildred Lindsay. Dick began his career with Caterpillar Corporation, and after working in Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Tennessee, he joined the Caterpillar dealer, Thompson Tractor Co., in Birmingham. At Thompson, he served in many capacities, including Vice President of Sales, until he retired. Dick was a long time member of Independent Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and a deacon. He was also active in the Homewood-Mountain Brook Kiwanis. Dick was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, William Donald Sharp of Lexington, IL, and his sister, Carolyn S. Sheckler of Connersville, IN. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Lindsay Sharp of Birmingham, his daughters, Kathryn S. Brackney (Brian) of Atlanta, GA, Cynthia S. Ernst of Princeton, NJ, Sally S. Reilly (James) of Birmingham, his son, William R. Sharp of Birmingham, and seven grandchildren: Kathryn L. Brackney of New Haven, CT, Sarah M. Ernst of Missoula, MT, Ellen K. Reilly of New Orleans, LA, Margaret A. Ernst of Philadelphia, PA, Edwin N. Brackney of Atlanta, GA, Mary Alice Reilly of Boston, MA and John R. Reilly of Auburn, AL. Also among his survivors are numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Kirkwood-by-the River on Thursday, April 2, at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's memory to Independent Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
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Rest Richard, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army Air Force, WWII. B-24 pilot.
Harry Simpson
Other
January 31, 2024
I was so sorry to hear of dick's passing. God bless you, he will truly be missed
Kate Cannon
April 3, 2015
I'm so sorry to learn of Dick's passing-he is a true friend-may he rest in peace and eternal light shine shine on him--
Ed Cain
April 3, 2015
Dear Sally.
I just learned of the death of your beloved father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I know that the precious memories that you carry in your heart will give you peace, laughter, joy, and encouragement in the days, weeks, and years to come.
Blessings and Peace,
Martha Bouyer
April 2, 2015
Hi Sally, my heart is touched by your loss. I pray God's comfort and peace for each of you. May it strengthen you to know that others care. Catherine B.
April 2, 2015
To Mildred and family: Please accept my sincere condolences. It really hurts when you lose your mate. It feels as if someone cut half of your heart off. I know because I lost my husband some years ago. I am sure that as a family you will be there for each other, and you can be sure that our Heavenly Father will be there for you also as you go to him in prayer. Again, please accept my sincere condolences.
K. Nichols
April 1, 2015
May the God of peace be with your family.
TM
March 31, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort during this difficult time. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
March 31, 2015
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