Robert Ray Sharry

Robert Ray Sharry went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 29, 2024, at the age of 90, in San Antonio, Texas. Robert was born on September 12, 1934, on a farm northwest of Eakly, Oklahoma, to James Madison and Chloe Francis Sharry. He was the sixth of seven children.
At the young age of 9 years old, Robert heard a powerful message that led him to become saved. Although he was young, he never regretted that decision and throughout his life, he always cherished the details of that day.
Around 1945, Robert and his family moved to Hydro, Oklahoma. This move was the first of many that Robert would make throughout his life but likely a critical one, for in Hydro at the age of 12, he first met Tommie Ann Sandlin, a slightly younger classmate who left a lasting impression.
About 9 years later, on July 25, 1953, Robert made a second life-changing decision, he married Tommie Ann. Within the early years of their marriage, they were blessed with two children, James Madison and Teressa Ann. Ten years after Teressa was born, Robert and Tommie Ann welcomed and adopted a new baby, Kimberly Sue. But, between raising a family, Robert was also busy committing to his first life-changing decision, answering the call of God to preach.
In 1959, Robert and his young family moved to Nashville so he could attend the Free Will Baptist Bible College (now Welch College); he also attended Oklahoma Bible College (now Randall University). After his studies, the real work began of establishing and growing churches. He was employed by the National Home Board and started two churches in Kansas. Throughout his life as a minister, he pastored at least 11 churches-3 in Kansas, 4 in Missouri, and 4 in Oklahoma-and served in various Free Will Baptist Association roles.
However, preaching was not the only thing Robert was known for. He loved music and singing! Robert would sing wherever he was, and he even had his own special birthday song to sing to loved ones on their special day.
Robert also had a love for cars! Several years ago, he wrote a biography highlighting his other side. He detailed all the different cars he owned; but, despite his love for cars, what he cared about most throughout his life was serving God, being a husband, and being a father. He left a few final words, "I just wish I would have been better at all three. It is my prayer that those I have led to the Lord will be faithful to Him and meet me in heaven. I love you all more than you know."
"Take heed my friend as you pass by
As you are now so was I
As I am now soon you will be
Take heed my friend and follow me
To follow me, you can be blessed
Because you know the way to rest."
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, James Madison and Chloe Francis Sharry; his six siblings: Cecil James, Walter Benjamin, Alva Willard, Irene Francis, Betty Marie, and Kenneth David; his son and daughter-in-law: James Madison and Marcia (Howland) Sharry; and one of his daughters: Kimberly Sue.
Robert is survived by his wife of 71 years, Tommie Ann; his remaining daughter and son-in-law: Teressa Ann and John Sisemore; six grandchildren: Tonya Michelle and husband, Kevin Fowler; Robert Wayne and wife, Danielle Sharry; Misty Dawn Raprich; Michael James Sharry; Benjamin Ray and wife, Shanna Sharry; John David and wife, Liz Sisemore; and Christoper Thomas Sharry; 11 great-grandchildren: Kyla Chase, Lauren White, Charlie McGougan, Emily Fowler, Madison Fowler, Lillian Raprich, Benjamin Sharry, Jr., Adam Raprich, Jr., Olivia Fowler, Silas Sharry, Ever Sharry, and Natalie Sisemore; and 1 great-great grandchild: Lance Chase.
Visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm, on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway, in Moore, Oklahoma. Funeral Services to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Southern Oaks Freewill Baptist Church, located at 7201 S. Santa Fe Ave., in Oklahoma City. He will be laid to rest at Dale Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel.
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