Ray Sharp Obituary

Ray Sharp, 93, died Thursday, January 17, 2008, in Phoenix, Arizona. He
was born March 23, 1914 in Paris, Texas and adopted by John and Nana (Stephenson) Sharp. Ray grew up on a farm in Paris, Texas and at a young age moved with his twin brother to Arizona. He
began a career as a truck driver which spanned over 30 years. In 1933, he was married to Avo Cook. They made their home in California and Arizona. Mr. Sharp was a long-time member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Glendale, Arizona, and a former member of the Teamsters Union. He was preceded in death by his wife, Avo Sharp, on March 19, 1996. They were married for over 60 years. Survivors include his twin brother, Roy Sharp of Vallejo, California; daughter, Yvonne Peterson and son-in-law Jack of Phoenix, Arizona; son, Don Sharp and daughter-in-law Joyce of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandsons, Les Peterson of Phoenix, Arizona and Cameron Sharp of Phoenix, Arizona; granddaughters, Sherri Hingst of Higley, Arizona and Jana Ingram of Glendale, Arizona; seven great grandchildren and seven great, great grandchildren. Ray loved his family and friends. He and his wife were long-standing residents of Glendale, Arizona and known for their hospitality and generosity. Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 25 at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. Interment will be at Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Sharp

8 Entries

Sandra Kennedy

January 27, 2008

I've heard about you all my life. Wish I'd have met you and your family. My grandmother was Etha Sharp Hargrove. May God comfort and bless each one.

Sharon Rippen

January 26, 2008

Ray was someone who made me smile and laugh. He called me "Sugah," and even though I know that was just his way of showing affection to nearly any female relative, it made me feel special. All of my memories of Ray are positive. It was easy to be comfortable with him because of his knack for being hospitable and generous with his time and conversation. His deep "morning" voice told a million stories, and they were all peppered with his infectious laugh. Ray loved to share his "scientific" formulas from anything to growing okra to making coffee. He enjoyed talking over things and could sit with nearly anyone and show genuine interest and care. If I ever had a mechanical problem with my car, Ray was there with his friend Otis trying to save me money. Ray and Otis spent many hours working in my behalf. They put a brand new Briggs and Stratton motor on my lawnmower, and then painted the whole thing apple red! My fondest memory of Ray, though, is when the Cooks went to Oceanside, California for a week at the beach. My mom took home movies of Ray kicking at the waves with his pants legs rolled up. He was having a grand old time. That was the Ray I remember. He is probably wiggling the stumps of his fingers at someone right now and enjoying the heck out the reaction it brings. He and Avo were a huge part of my childhood and I’m so glad that they were. As an uncle and aunt, I couldn’t have asked for more.

Mary McQueen

January 25, 2008

We wish we could have known Uncle Ray. We send our love and prayers. From Etha Sharp Hargrove's descendants.

Ira (Tootie) Sharp Dennis

January 25, 2008

It is with deep regret that i sign this guest book representating the full membership of the SharpFamilies website. We are thankful for the life of a man who gave so much and loved so deeply.
Your cousin..among many-Ira Sharp Dennis aka Tootie

Mary Smith

January 24, 2008

I am the daughter of Ila Mae Sharp Weber Corp, daughter of Edward Presley Sharp. She is Uncle Ray's niece. She wanted me to convey how very sad we are at his passing. She would like to be there but at 90 doesn't get out too much anymore. The family is in our thoughts and prayer.

Evelyn Bailey

January 24, 2008

There was such an emptiness in my heart when Uncle Ray left us to join his Lord and Saviour, but at the same time there was a peace and joy to know that he is now in heaven with the love of his life,
Aunt Avo. I have so many fond memories of visits to their house and the welcome I always received.
I'll never forget the stories and jokes Uncle Ray was alway telling.
How blessed the Sharp family was on that day John and Nannie Sharp adopted those twin baby boys so many years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family in their time of grief.

Morene Reynolds

January 24, 2008

I've lost my favorite uncle and a great person. He will be missed very much by me but I know he is already dancing with with the angels in Heaven.

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