Robert (Bob) Eugene Sharpton, age 91, passed away on August 21, 2025. Born on December 17, 1933, in Knoxville, TN, Bob's life journey took him from humble beginnings to a distinguished career as an engineer and computer scientist whose work left a lasting impact on both military and computer systems technology.
Bob spent his formative years in Spartanburg, SC, graduating from Spartanburg High School. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta — embracing the slogan "a ramblin' wreck from Georgia Tech, a helluva engineer." After marrying Florence Stephany in 1956 from Mahanoy City, PA and relocating to Los Angeles, CA, Bob continued his education with a MS in Electrical Engineering from USC, a ME in the Executive Engineering Program and a certificate of Computer Information from UCLA.
Throughout his professional life, Bob brought innovation and leadership to several major organizations including Hughes Aircraft Company, Computer Sciences Corporation, General Motors, and Raytheon.
As a father he taught us to be generous, to work hard and to be helpful to others. Whether offering technical advice or lending a helping hand during difficult times, he was always ready to support those around him. Even as his health was failing in his final years, he maintained a positive outlook with family supporting him.
Bob is survived by his first wife Florence Stephany; children Robert Jr., Debra, Brad, and Kevin; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Richard Sharpton; mother Ruby Hilton; brothers Alan and Donald; second wife Celia Cotter; and many other relatives who passed before him. He will be buried in Knoxville, TN at the Woodlawn Cemetery near his father and mother.
We will miss him dearly.
An option for Georgia Tech donations in his memory at https://www.gtalumni.org/roll-call/default.html
Bob spent his formative years in Spartanburg, SC, graduating from Spartanburg High School. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta — embracing the slogan "a ramblin' wreck from Georgia Tech, a helluva engineer." After marrying Florence Stephany in 1956 from Mahanoy City, PA and relocating to Los Angeles, CA, Bob continued his education with a MS in Electrical Engineering from USC, a ME in the Executive Engineering Program and a certificate of Computer Information from UCLA.
Throughout his professional life, Bob brought innovation and leadership to several major organizations including Hughes Aircraft Company, Computer Sciences Corporation, General Motors, and Raytheon.
As a father he taught us to be generous, to work hard and to be helpful to others. Whether offering technical advice or lending a helping hand during difficult times, he was always ready to support those around him. Even as his health was failing in his final years, he maintained a positive outlook with family supporting him.
Bob is survived by his first wife Florence Stephany; children Robert Jr., Debra, Brad, and Kevin; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Richard Sharpton; mother Ruby Hilton; brothers Alan and Donald; second wife Celia Cotter; and many other relatives who passed before him. He will be buried in Knoxville, TN at the Woodlawn Cemetery near his father and mother.
We will miss him dearly.
An option for Georgia Tech donations in his memory at https://www.gtalumni.org/roll-call/default.html
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Eugene Sharpton, please visit our flower store.
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