Don Harrison Sharp

1949 - 2020

Don Harrison Sharp

Visalia -

Don Harrison Sharp went home to his Lord Savior on October 17, 2020. He was 87 years old. Don was born in the Los Angeles area and graduated from high school at John Marshall High School in 1949. He grew up in a small nurturing home with his mother, grandmother, and his older brother, Jim. Don's mother worked in a pottery factory and an airplane factory during World War II. His mother provided an example of strength and enduring love for her two boys. After high school, Don followed in his mother's footsteps working in the pottery factory, Gladding McBean which is still in operation today. In 1954 he joined the army and was stationed in Japan where he played football and coached a track team. After his discharge from the army, Don transferred back to the LA area and married Doris Muse-McGrew. They had four children: David, Debbie, Dena and Denise.

Don and his family spent many winters and summers working the YMCA camp in the Big Bear and Pasadena areas. Don was a natural in managing the camps, working with multiple groups of young campers, and enjoyed being in nature. Don later transitioned from the YMCA experience with a return to school. As a husband and father of four, Don attended college with the help of his brother at LA City College where he completed his bachelor's and obtained his teaching credential. Upon graduation, the family traveled north to the San Joaquin Valley where Don obtained his first teaching job. Don and Doris bought their first home just off of County Center in Visalia. The children remember that their dad hand-dug a large hole in the backyard for their above-ground swimming pool. It was amazing. Don first started teaching at a small elementary school in Hanford but eventually was hired at Dinuba High School for 34 years. After retirement, he was hired back to teach at their alternative high school for five years. Don was passionate about teaching & mentoring kids and helping them realize their potential. He loved anything to do with sculpting and working with clay. His pride and joy was a beautiful sculpture he crafted for the Ronald Reagan Elementary School in 2005. Don loved singing; he was a part of his high school choir. This love continued as he participated in the Quail Park Choir in his final days.

His life-long work ethic and love of staying fit was also reflected in his participation in the Senior Olympic games throwing the javelin and throwing the discus. This love of sports and competition continued throughout his life as teacher and coach for the Dinuba football team. Don was the father of four children, David Sharp, Debbie Williams, Dena Lloyd, and Denise Heinrich. Don is the grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Beth & Becky, Erik & Kelsey, Jason & Matthew, Luke, Jacob, Zachary, Rachel, and Sam. He is also the great-grandfather of 11 great-grandchildren: Zachary, Zoe, Genevieve, Fiona, Naomi, Braxton, Brynley, Clark, Josiah, James & Jackson. Don met Shirley Clay at a family gathering in 2000. They were married on March 23, 2002 near Los Alamos, CA. They have been married for 18 years. Early in their marriage, they enjoyed teaching bible classes together, coordinating summer vacation bible schools, and multiple after- school bible programs. For many years, Don served as a deacon at the Kingsburg Church of Christ for many years until 2015. Above all, Don loved the Lord. His tireless work at various congregations throughout the years demonstrated a legacy of selfless devotion to the One who teaches us to put others first and value all beings. May we find rest in the example of those who have gone before us: loving the Lord, loving his family, and living a life full of humility, of patience, a life of gentleness and a bearing of one another in love.

In lieu of flowers, per Don's request, the family is asking that a donation be made to his congregation which is Visalia Community Church of Christ 3838 S. Court Street, Visalia, CA, 93277.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9