Sam H. Sharp

Samuel Harelson "Sam" Sharp Jr., 83, passed away on January 11, 2026, after a long and full life. Born on January 10, 1943, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sam grew up with a deep sense of curiosity, determination, and quiet resilience-qualities that carried him through every chapter of his remarkable journey.
Sam proudly served in the United States Air Force, with assignments that took him across the country and around the world. His service included postings at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, tours in Turkey, Iraklion Air Station in Crete, and Hof Air Station in Germany, as well as later assignments at Little Rock Air Force Base and Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. His years in uniform shaped his discipline, his worldview, and his lifelong appreciation for service.
After leaving the Air Force, Sam built a diverse and hardworking career. He worked as a car salesman and manager at Lloyd McKee Motors in Albuquerque, where his love of automobiles and his natural rapport with people made him a trusted presence. He later joined the U.S. Postal Service as a mailman and supervisor, served as a Tupperware distributor in Odessa, Texas, enjoyed beginning his computer career at Intuit, and eventually worked with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he continued to bring dedication and steadiness to every role he held.
In 1965, Sam married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Bryant, beginning a partnership rooted in loyalty and love. Together they shared 60 years of marriage, a bond marked by devotion and deep affection. They raised three sons-Samuel, Robert, and Christopher-who were the pride of his life.
Sam is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons Samuel (Ruth), Robert, and Christopher; Christopher's significant other, Jennie; and his three grandchildren: Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Ruth, and Sora and Lillian, daughters of Christopher and their mom, Jessie. He was preceded in death by his sister, Bobby, who passed away in 2015.
A man of many interests, Sam found joy in cars, computers, and especially driving. Whether he was behind the wheel of one of his wheel drive vehicles, cruising in his Miatas, or enjoying the efficiency of his Honda Insights, driving was one of his purest pleasures.
Sam was a longtime member of St. John's United Methodist Church, where he volunteered for many years as a sound technician-quietly ensuring that services ran smoothly and that others could worship without distraction. His faith community was an important part of his life.
Those who knew Sam remember him as a friend to all, someone who would go out of his way to help others without hesitation. His kindness was steady, his generosity instinctive, and his presence a source of comfort and reliability to anyone who needed him.
Sam faced a year battle with cancer with courage and steadiness, meeting every challenge with the same quiet strength that defined him.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a man who lived with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2424 Arizona NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John's United Methodist Church or to The Special Olympics, two organizations that reflect values close to Sam's heart.