Richard George Sharp "Sharpie"'s Obituary
Richard George Sharp “Sharpie,” age 86, of Lewes, DE passed away on Thursday,
November 2, 2023, at his residence in Lewes, DE. He was born December 2, 1936, in
Lewes, DE, son of the late George John and Doris Hitchens (Palmer) Sharp.
Sharpie was born and raised in Lewes, where he attended Lewes High School. He participated in football, basketball, and baseball. These early influences fostered a lifelong interest as an avid baseball and sports fan.
Following high school, Sharpie enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he began his dedication of his twenty-year tenure. During this time, he served as a boating instructor and Drill Sergeant. Sharpie proudly retired as a Chief B.M.C with a magnitude of accolades to his name, including the commission of the USCGC Gallatin.
Upon retirement, Sharpie returned to Lewes where he took over and expanded the family business, Sharpie’s Service. The knowledge and experience he gained allowed him to pursue his hobbies into retirement. He was a craftsman who enjoyed working on small projects and replica scale models. Some of his favorites included historical 2nd Street, the Lewes Train Station, and the Zwaanendael Museum.
Sharpie was a member of the Lewes Lions Club where he proudly served as president. He aided and led numerous fundraisers for the organization. He enjoyed spending time at the American Legion going to social events and playing cards with fellow veterans.
In his spare time, Sharpie enjoyed golf, bowling, and good company. At one time, Sharpie and his hometown friends could be found at the local coffee shop enjoying their mornings and small talk. Sharpie was always up for taking a ride to get Dairy Queen ice cream and sitting at Lewes beach. He was a dedicated supporter of his grandchildren and family through sporting events, graduations, and celebrations.
He especially enjoyed caring for his animals at the farmhouse and watching his daughter, Sherri, compete in equestrian events as she grew up. He treated every animal as “man’s best friend”, always ready to produce a carrot or treat from his jacket pocket.
Sharpie is preceded in death by his former wife, Maxine L. Sharp, and his stepson, Frank Roger Speigel who passed away in 2021. He is survived by his former wife, Sandra R. Sharp, and companion, Natalie Popham; his three daughters: Meta Sharp-Franz (John) of Milton, DE, Sally Sharp-Thatcher (Jim) of Durham, PA, and Sherri Sharp Penuel (Mark) of Milton, DE; his stepson, Richard A. Speigel of Vietnam; his daughter-in-law Hien Speigel of Milton, DE; his 15 grandchildren, Christopher, Alyssa, Brittany, Tyler, Jennifer, Kristy, Meghann, Erik, Cody, Hunter, Taylor Paige, Hailey, Sadie, Sienna, and Sage;11 great grandchildren: Jack, Carter, Morgan, Asher, Renly, Sawyer, Ella, Weston, Clark, Damian, and Gavin.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday November 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes,
DE, where the visitation will begin at 12 noon. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes, DE,
All who cannot attend the service in person are invited to join via live-stream by visiting:
http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11215893/LTWebcast
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Sharpie’s honor to Lewes Lions Club, PO Box 791, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:30 PM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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