Ralph Henderson Sharp

Ralph Henderson sharp passed into his Heavenly home at the age of 93. He was born in Morristown, Tennessee, delivered by his grandfather, Dr. P.L. Henderson, who delivered all of his grandchildren. Ralph was the son of Ralph E. Sharp and Ruth Henderson Sharp. When he was six months old, his family moved to Palatka, Florida, later settling in the nearby community of San Mateo.

Ralph grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse, where students advanced by moving one row forward each year. His children loved hearing him tell stories of sometimes riding a mule to school. After fifth grade, he rode the school bus to Palatka. In high school, he played football, served on the debate team, was president of the FFA, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

After high school. Ralph attended Stetson University for a short time before joining the United States Air Force, where he served both stateside and overseas. Upon returning home, he attended Florida State University and graduated in 1959. During this time, he met and married Charlotte Louque, and together the had three sons while living in Perry, Florida. The marriage later ended, and Ralph moved to Tallahassee with his three sons while working for the State of Florida.

As God intended, Ralph later met, fell in love with, and married Thelma Couch, who also had three sons the age as his own. They blended their families and shared 47 years of marriage.

Ralph retired from the State of Florida after 35 years of service. His career included serving as Budget Director for the Department of Education and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of Financial Services under Tom Gallagher.

More than 20 years were spent camping with friends he considered a second family, traveling together in motor homes. Hunting, fishing, camping, enjoying a good cigar, and sipping a little bourbon alongside friends and sons were among his favorite pastimes. Ralph and Thelma were also blessed to own a home at St. Joe Beach for 35 years, creating countless cherished memories for family and friends.

Ralph is survived by his wife Thelma; his sons, Ed Sharp and his wife Suzanna, Mike Sharp, John Sharp and his wife Joy, David Couch and his wife Anne, and Steve Couch. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew Sharp and his wife Catrina, Mellisa Sharp, Tabitha Harrison, Heather Carraway and her husband Blake, Caitlin Couch, James "Jace" Couch, and Connor Couch; and by five great-grandchildren. Through the marriages of his sons, Ralph gained three additional grandchildren - David Mathis and his wife Sydney, Christina Creel and her husband Seth, and John Wilson - as well as ten precious great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Clint Couch.

Niki Carney of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193) is assisting the Sharp family with their arrangements.