Joseph Sharp

Visitation: Wednesday October 29 at Saulters-Moore Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M until 7:00 P.M. Graveside service: Thursday October 30 at 11:00 A.M. at Prentiss Cemetery Joseph Foster “Joe” Sharp, Jr. died on October 25, 2008, at a local Medical Facility in South Carolina due to complications from an illness. He attended Mississippi State University, however near the completion of his college career, he was drafted into military service. A veteran of WW II, he served the Navy in the Pacific Theatre with the rank of Ensign 1st Class, on the USS Ottawa a/k/a 101. Joe was married to Charlotte Jones Sharp for 59 years; she predeceased him on January 20, 2004. One of the great love stories shared between two people, is the story of their lives. He is survived by their only child, Jo Ann Sharp Baker, granddaughter, Julie Sharp Culpepper (Monty) Barfield, grandson, Shelton Sebron (Catherine) Culpepper, III, great granddaughters, Julianna Montgomery Barfield and Sarah Catherine Culpepper; a sister Nell Rose Sharp Dundas; nieces and nephews and a long time hunting pal, Jimmy Rogers of Prentiss, MS. God was Joe’s strength. When in Joe’s house you will serve the Lord. Joe placed God first, family second and works third. He served in the following ways at church-- Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Choir Member, Song Leader and was a dedicated member for 50 years at Calvary Baptist Church, Silver Creek, MS. He also attended and served in New Hebron Baptist Church, New Hebron, MS, several years prior to returning to Calvary as an adult. After Joe relocated from Mississippi to South Carolina, he became an active member of Mizpah Baptist Church serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir member and Deacon. Joe studied many hours to prepare his lessons. Joe was introduced to the Gideon’s and became greatly enamored with their cause, resulting in a long period of dedicated service, some 20 years. “Work” was something he did not shy from. A true farmer at heart, tilling the soil, raising cattle and growing wonderful gardens. The land was his oyster, providing for and taking care of his family was a pleasure to him. As a Rural Letter Carrier for 20 years, he provided mail to many homes, endearing his patrons to himself. As an avid outdoorsman he truly enjoyed hunting; deer and turkey, but most of all quail. Many Friday nights you could find Joe at the Fox-pen. He loved to hear those dogs run. Ensign Sharp did not talk much of WW II, however he did tell of one evening on night watch, the Ottawa was at full throttle sailing from Washington State across the Pacific Ocean. The ship came upon floating mines and was steaming right through what seemed like an ocean covered with mines. He looked down from the upper deck to see them floating all around. Knowing his cargo ship was fully loaded with explosives, fuel and ammunition, Serviceman Sharp knew one foul move and the ship and its men would be lost. He said he backed up to the bulkhead of the magazine and prayed to God, asking that if He let him live through the ordeal he would do all he could to serve Him the rest of his life. The USS Ottawa reached its destination of Japan. Joe, the crew, and the Ottawa were spared and his commitment to his Lord was never forgotten. In fact, this prayer to serve became his mantra. He lived by his word, setting a sterling example to family and friends. Joe placed God first, family next, then works. Whatever the cost, whether sickness, tight schedule, other obligations or opportunities, missing church or lack of service to others was not an option. The family has requested that in lieu of donations, memorials may be made to Gideon’s International.