Gerry Sharp of Arkadelphia passed from this life on January 25 to be with his savior in heaven. He was 79. Gerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patty, his sons Frank and Keith (Pat), his granddaughters Colleen and Kimberly, and his sister, Evora (Martha) Long. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Frankie Brady Sharp, and his three brothers, Thurman (T.V), Roland, and George Sharp.

Gerry loved talking with people and telling stories and helping them when he could. His biggest joys were his family, cooking, cars, and being out on his 40 acres of land. Gerry spent many years racing. He had a lot of fun and some success in a number 7 Ford stock car at the Arkadelphia track in the early 70's, then had fun again and more success with another number 7 Ford from Smackover in the late 70's and early 80's. His biggest race was winning a Tri-State Championship at the Little Rock track. He also enjoyed a variety of cars and shared that interest with his sons in adventures together on road and off. Gerry owned an AC Cobra replica that he was especially proud of and took it out on sunny days, or whenever anyone asked for a ride. He kept it on the road almost all the time. Estimates are he and Patty taught over 40 people, mostly children, to water ski on DeGray Lake. His patience and good cheer helped each of them to keep trying till together they figured it out. For many years, there was nothing better to Gerry than getting home from work in the summer, gathering up Patty and the boys and heading out to the lake in late afternoon to drive his boat and watch the three of them ski until sunset.

Gerry was born near Ingalls Arkansas. The family moved to Watson Arkansas when he was a teen. There he caught the eye of the best looking girl in the class. Later he would learn that she was also the kindest and toughest woman he would know. They married after graduating high school.

Gerry was in the US Air Force in the early 60s, stationed in New Mexico. There his two sons were born and he discovered the joys of Mexican food. His hot sauce, stack enchiladas, and tamales are legendary. Fortunately for many, he passed this interest and skill onto his sons, keeping the family eating well for generations. Gerry and Patty hosted many a family gathering at their house, often a fish fry or maybe Mexican food. With a towel over his shoulder, he seemed to be in his glory when he could feed a happy crowd.

Gerry spent most of his career working for "Ma Bell" throughout southern Arkansas. His easy good nature served both customers and his teammates and supervisors well, making each feel listened to and special, no matter how gruff they may be. Gerry was a union Vice President and worked hard to represent and support the union members. He retired in 2008. Most people around Gerry were at some point the focus of some teasing, some joking, or maybe even a practical joke. Everyone around Gerry saw a smile and heard a chuckle. That joy and love for people are what we will keep as a special part of us with his passing.

Visitation will be at Third Street Baptist Church on Friday evening Jan 31 from 6 to 8 pm.

Funeral services will be held at Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Feb 1.

Interment will be a Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

After the burial, the family would like friends and family to join them in a pot luck dinner afterwards back at the Family Life Center at Third Street.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to please consider a donation to Third Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 763, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.