July 23, 1945 - March 6, 2023
Jerry Brown Sharp of the Slippery Creek community in Lewis County served the red, white, and blue for practically half his life. He, like many men, loved his country. To see the American flag flying high on any given day is because of men like him. The Sharp family is thankful and proud to have had an all-American patriot fight for our freedoms. Jerry stood tall and proud to wear the American soldier's uniform.
Jerry graduated from Lewis County High School in 1964 and finished military boot camp in September of 1964. Soon afterward, he was sent overseas to Vietnam. He was a quiet and reserved man and didn't speak much about his tour there. Only he, and God, know how many of his military brothers he tried to save during his time in Vietnam.
At some point during the war, he was injured and was presented with the purple heart medal. He was discharged on March 27, 1970. Jerry was also in the National Guard for 33 years.
When he was 58 years old, he was deployed overseas to Kuwait- Operation Enduring Freedom.
Jerry worked at a few local service stations and grocery stores throughout the years and made many friends. He had a very witty personality that everyone loved. Jerry was named "wittiest" in his graduating class of 1964. He loved the country life, growing up on the creek.
Summers were filled with swimming with friends and family down on Cane Creek. He loved watching the change of seasons and riding the country road. Jerry played high school football and was always a Panther. He went to many games, standing with other Panther dads and granddads watching the games from beyond the fence.
He loved sitting in the outfield and in the stands, cheering for his grandchildren. Jerry enjoyed family dinners at Fort Slippery. Most of all, he was married to his love for 50 years. His life was so amazingly built on a foundation of commitment that was supported by faith, friendship, and appreciation.
He considered the Vietnam veterans and guardsmen of Lewis County his brothers. They all treated each other with love, and understanding and always wished each other good health and strength. He is already missed so much.
Jerry Brown Sharp was born on July 23, 1945, to the late Fred Alfred Sharp and Altie (Cotham) Sharp. He passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Maury Regional Hospital at the age of 77.
He is survived by his wife Carol Sharp; sons, Jerry W. (Sheryl) Sharp and Freddy (Amy) Sharp; daughters, Kathreen (Brian) Willis of Hohenwald and Suzy (Joey) Mincieli of Murfreesboro, sister, Nancy Chessor of Centerville; 8 grandchildren, Austin Willis, Alexandria Reynolds, Andrew Willis, Talon Mincieli, Teagan Mincieli, Henry Sharp, Harvey Sharp & Hunley Sharp; 2 twin great-grandsons on the way, along with numerous nieces/nephews and many veteran friends. He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by brothers, Edd Sharp & William "Bud" Sharp and sister Mary Kelly.
Jerry Brown Sharp will be missed by many. He was laid to rest in the Bastin Cemetery onFriday, March 10, 2023.
Reader Comments(0)