William Joseph Sharp

William Joseph Sharp, 64, of Dumfries, Virginia, passed away on January 26, 2025.
Born in San Francisco, California, on December 19, 1960, William was the son of Gene Alexander Sharp
and Carmen Margaret Canchola-Sharp. He grew up in Oxnard, California, and attended Channel Islands
High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Maryland
and a Master's in Communication from the University of Oklahoma. He married the love of his life,
Melissa Lynn Miller, on July 5, 2002 and relished being a father.
William dedicated more than 40 years to public service working in Public Affairs for the United States Air
Force and later as a civilian for the U.S. Army. He was the recipient of numerous high-level military
service awards and commendations including the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Civilian
Service Achievement Medal, and Star of the Quarter at the Army Office Chief of Public Affairs. Among
the honors he was most proud of were the Department of Defense Thomas Jefferson Award for
magazine editing and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Photojournalist of the Year Award.
Beyond his professional life, William had a deep love for music and martial arts. He played guitar in the
worship band at Woodbridge Nazarene Church and was a dedicated black belt and teacher at
Spotsylvania Karate Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. He also found joy in dance, performing with The JT
Swing Teams D.C.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Gene Alexander Sharp and Carmen Margaret Canchola-
Sharp.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa Lynn Miller Sharp; daughters, Samantha Alexandra Sharp and Seanna
Christine Sharp; and stepsons, Michael Allen Fontaine and Matthew Ryan Fontaine. He also leaves
behind his brother, Gene Alexander Sharp Jr., and his sister, Deborah Jean Sharp-Proshold.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Wendy Herndon, Janet Mazariegos, Alayne
Cramer, the EMTs, Pastor Pamm Fontana, and Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home for their kindness and
support during this time.
A memorial service will be held at Woodbridge Nazarene Church (14001 Smoketown Rd, Woodbridge,
VA) on Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. William will be laid to rest at
Quantico on Tuesday, February 11, following an intimate graveside service with military honors.