Lewis Thomas Sharp

OBITUARY OF LEWIS THOMAS SHARPLewis "Tommy" Sharp of Jacksonville, Florida went home to be with the Lord on August 19, 2024.Tommy was born in Jacksonville,Florida on April 28, 1931, to Lemuel Sharp Sr. and Reba Sharp, and grew up on Jacksonvilles Norths side with his older sister, Lillian and brother, Lemuel Jr.Tommy graduated from Andrew Jackson HS Class of 1949, after which he enrolled in the University of Florida. At the completion of his 2nd year, he enlisted in the US Navy, Flight training program.The pursuit of flight training came as no surprise to anyone given Tommys boyhood passion for all things Aviation. As a boy Tommy had been building model airplanes from the time he was 11 years old.Tommy completed flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station and carrier qualified aboard the USS Monterey.In September 1953 he received his wings of Gold, which were pinned on him at the awards ceremony by his adoring mother, Reba.As fate would have itOn June 15, 1954, only 9 months after receiving his wings, on a routine training flight over West Jacksonville, his F9-F Cougar became disabled and Ensign Sharp was forced to bail out. The jet crashed 1 mile north of Herlong Fields in a wooded area, no civilian injuries occurred as he had headed the jet toward the woods before ejecting. The crash was notable because it was one of the earliest actual utilizations of ejection seat technology by a pilot to exit a disabled aircraft, thus making Ensign Tommy Sharp a member of the Exclusive and infamous Caterpillar Club. Membership requirement -Bailing out of a disabled Aircraft. His mother said after the crash "that God was watching over my boy that day". Ensign Sharp continued his service, including a world cruise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway in 1955. In 1956 upon completion of his 6-year enlistment requirement, Tommy received his honorable discharge from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant JG. During his service he was awarded:1.National Defense Service Medal2.China Service Medal3.Presidential Unit CitationAfter leaving the Navy, in 1957 continuing his love of flying Tommy pursued a career with the airlines. Tom began his airline career as captain with National Airlines, based out of Miami, Florida, and finished his flying career with Pan American, flying the Boeing 747. In 1962, among many notable flights, Capt. Sharp flew the inaugural non-stop wide-body flight, Newark to London. Tommy retired from Pan Am in 1992 and later moving to Coco Fl, to be with the love of his life Candy Kaufman. Tom was a 32-degree Mason, Ezra lodge, Morocco Temple Shrine. Tommy had many loves during his life, those including the Florida Gators, boating, his dogs, and birthday visits from his nephew, Lem III. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Lemuel Sharp Sr., and his adoring mother, Reba Roberts, his brother, Lemuel Sharp Jr. and his sister, Lillian Stringfield. Tommy is survived by his life partner, Kandice Kaufman, his nephew, Lemuel Sharp III, and nieces, Leslie Sharp, Marcia Wiegl, Joan and Julie Stringfield and 1st cousin Iris Jones. He is also survived by his adoring friend and care giver, Peggy Rimmer and life long friends Lou Ritter Jr., Bob Morgan and Tommy Greene.A graveside service was held on Monday August 26th, 2024, at Evergreen Cemetery, Pastor Terry Collins officiating.
Funeral Home
Moloney-Hewell Funeral Home and Cremation Services
4140 University Blvd S
Jacksonville FL - 32216
US
(904) 737-4855
(904) 739-8159 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lewis, please visit our Tree Store.