Dudley Crawford Sharp Jr.

DUDLEY CRAWFORD SHARP, JR. passed away Wednesday, May 14th, 2003, at home with his devoted wife of 38 years, Kay Belknap Sharp at his side. He lost an eight-month battle with lung cancer. Dudley was born in Houston January 20, 1930 to Tina Cleveland Sharp and Dudley Crawford Sharp. Dudley always had many friends who loved him. He was kind, loyal and fun loving. He grew up an ardent sailor and spent many summers with his parents, sister and friends on their beautiful boat "Gulf Stream", at Texas Corinthian Yacht Club. He went east to school, Deerfield and Princeton, finishing at The University of Texas. Following school, he worked with his father at Mission Manufacturing Company. Later he enjoyed Real Estate and Investments. By far the most important part of his life was his family. His devotion, love and support of them came before anything else; he loved to play with the grandchildren. He was generous with his time, always eager to hear and applaud their most minute accomplishments. His smile was wholehearted, spontaneous and sincere. He is preceded in death by his parents. Dudley is survived by his wife, Kay Belknap Sharp; his children, Kathryn "Gigi" Sharp-Gilpin, Tina Cleveland Belknap Sharp McMackin, Lucille Spotswood Sharp Meyer, Kate Sharp Farris and Dudley C. Sharp, III; his sons-in-law, George Heyburn Gilpin, III, John Thomas McMackin, II, Dr. Jay Karl Meyer and Dr. Woody Farris; his daughter-in-law, Jane Tenison Sharp; his brother-in-law, Dr. Hal R. Belknap, Jr.; his grandchildren, George Dudley Gilpin, Martha Baldridge McMackin, John Crawford McMackin, Amber Kay Meyer, Jason Connor Meyer, Helen Sharp, Katherine Sharp and Anna Sharp; his sister, Julia Sharp Vergara; his nephews, Jose Vergara, Alexander Vergara, Agustin Vergara and Hal R. Belknap, III; his niece, Dr. Jamie Belknap Wedemeyer; and his cousins, Barbara Kirkland Chiles, Virginia Kirkland Innis, Ruth Fuller White, Cleveland Fuller, Joan Sharp Lippman, Eric Langham, Tom Langham, Lois Chiles, Bill Chiles, Steve Pond and Barbara Pond Baker. He will be greatly missed by his long-time and wonderful associates, Bernadine Miller, Kim Kendrick Dietz and Dinah Derks. He will also be missed by his friends at The Post Oak Club and his special friends: Geraldine Gobert, Marie Cruz Terrazas, Juan Lopez, Santos Espinosa, Manuel Espinosa, Pearl Bell (who cared for him with such tenderness), Lucille Jefferson, Willie B. Morrison and Howard Washington. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 19th, 2003 at 10:30 in the morning at Glenwood Cemetery, 2525 Washington with The Rev. Dr. Peter G. Thomas of St. Martin's Episcopal Church officiating. Friends are invited to a reception at the Sharp home following the service. Wildlife and pets of all kinds were Dudley's inspiration and joy, truly touching his soul„and twinkling his eyes. For those who wish to make a contribution may do so to the SPCA, 900 Portway, Houston, Texas 77024 or to the charity of choice.