Winston Alonzo Sharp

Winston Alonzo Sharp

July 2, 1954 - July 21, 2025

Winston Alonzo Sharp, of Warrenton, Virginia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 21, 2025. Known lovingly as "Winnie" to his family and friends, he was born on July 2, 1954, to the late Dorothy Brown and Herbert Winston Sharp. The middle of three brothers, Winnie was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bruce Franklin and Tracy Clinton Sharp, with whom he grew up on Taylor Street in "Madisontown."

Winnie was a true jack of all trades-a mechanic, a butcher, a maintenance worker at Liberty High School-but Winnie was best known for his BBQ. In 1982, Winnie opened Hog Wild BBQ Catering & Concessions, a family-operated business, which grew in size and service for 40 years. It's safe to say that at some point, everyone-family, friends, neighbors, and even folks just passing through-worked for Hog Wild. In 1998, Winnie, his mother Dorothy "Dot", and his brother Tracy expanded the business, opening 2nd Street Café in Old Town Warrenton, the opening of which was featured in a Washington Post article, GOING WHOLE HOG: Roadside Barbecue Leads to Restaurant, in March of that year.

From building his first grill, which came to him in a dream, to trying his hand at moon bounce rentals, going whole hog was how Winnie lived his life: if he thought he could do it, he tried it; if he wanted something, he went after it. Winnie loved family trips, planning Madisontown block parties, fishing with his son, and watching and attending the Daytona 500. His larger-than-life personality showed up everywhere he went. Winnie knew no strangers-he loved people and people loved him.

Winnie leaves behind three children who were his pride and joy: Gaynita René Sharp (Brian Luther), Christina Marie Sharp, and Winston Joseph Sharp. Two nieces, whom he loved as daughters: Tabitha Sharp and Stephanie Ulloa (Luey). Four grandchildren who brought him sheer happiness: Damien and Alexis Sharp, T.J. and Jordan Perry. And two great-granddaughters: Leilaniee and Leiyah McDowell Perry.

Very special surviving members also include his nephews Edmond, Trae, and Malcolm Sharp; great-nephews and nieces William Bruce Sharp, Derrick Brooks, Ana-Lycia Peña, Kaylen and Jayden Ulloa, Michael and Brynn Sharp; and his great-great-nephew Kylor Sharp. As well as his sisters-in-law, Barbara Jean Sharp and Sharyn Sharp.

Winnie will be remembered for his hard work, humor, loyalty, and love of community. His stories, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. service time at First Baptist Church, 39 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, Virginia 20186. A repast will be held at First Baptist Church immediately following the service. The family also invites you to join them for a Madisontown community pig roast in Winnie's honor Saturday evening on Taylor Street in Warrenton.