William A. Sharpe - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

William A. Sharpe

August 10, 1930 - October 6, 2016

William A. Sharpe (Bill), age 86, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 6, 2016.

Born in Wilmington, DE on August 10, 1930, he was the son of the late William John and Mildred Cecilia (Marsteller) Sharpe.  A veteran of the Korean War, Bill served in the U.S. Army for 6 years.  He continued his military career with the Delaware Army National Guard, retiring in 1990 as State Command Sergeant Major with over 37 years of dedicated service, and returned to active duty during Desert Storm. During his military career, Bill worked closely with former Governor Pierre DuPont, former Congressman Mike Castle, and current Vice President Joe Biden. In 1996, the Bethany Beach Training Site for the Delaware Army and Air National Guard was named in his honor as well as the Conference Center at the site. Bill was an NCO board member and proudly inducted into the Delaware Army National Guard NCO Hall of Fame.

Active in his community, Bill was a former president of the William Penn Football Boosters Club, served as an usher for the U of D for many years, and was a member of the Battery D Unit American Rifles. He will always be remembered as a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a dear friend to many.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Nellie (Morris) Sharpe, Bill was preceded in death by his son James Sharpe, his siblings, Margie Stewart, Paul Sharpe, and Donald Sharpe; son in law, James Morris, and daughter in law, Jean Sharpe.  He is survived by his children, Robert Sharpe, Sr. (Barbara), Connie Morrell (Bob), Michael Sharpe, Raymond Sharpe, Sr. (Barbara), and Sharon Morris; his siblings, Fred Sharpe, George Sharpe, Harvey Sharpe, Jody Sharpe, Tommy (Tucker) Sharpe, Mary MacKinder, and Judy Sharpe; grandchildren, Robert Sharpe, Jr., James Sharpe, Steven Hance, Raymond Sharpe, Jr., and Tiffany Sharpe; and great grandchildren Robert Sharpe III, Hunter Hance, Conner Hance, Gabriel Haley, Anaya Pawlik, and Rhailyn Pawlik.

A visitation will be held from 6pm until 8 pm on Thursday evening, October 13, 2016, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE 19720. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday morning, October 14, 2016 at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green, Second and Harmony Streets, New Castle. Interment will follow in Glebe Cemetery, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William’s memory may be made to Delaware National Guard & Reserve Emergency Assistance Fund(DNGREAF), Attn: MG Vavala, 250 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or Delaware Kidney Fund, 1100 Lovering Avenue, Ste. 10-B, Wilmington, DE 19806.

 

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17 Condolences for William A. Sharpe

  • So sorry to hear of your loss Robin. Call if you need anything

  • Dear Rob, Audrey, Gabe and Jack,
    We are so sorry for your loss. We know how much of an influence he had on your lives.
    He is at peace. We love you!
    The Hitchens 3

  • May god be with you and your family at this time may you rest in peace and watch over us!!! You were always there for our family Rest in peace!!!!

  • My deepest sympathy on the passing of Billy Sharp (Retired Command Sergeant Major) a dear friend of many, many years. Billy and I served together and more often consulted with one another on formal and informal boards. His advice was always quite salient. We shared many a hearty laugh and yes, we disagreed at times but always we remained professional and friends. I will cherish even more now the many, many awesome memories of my time with Billy. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light forever shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the Divine Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

  • Ray, Barbara, RJ, Tiffany and family and friends
    We are so sorry for your loss…….May he RIP……and always be with you in your heart……….
    Love from,
    Jimmy and Susie Strab

  • Sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. He was a good friend and helped me a lot with his guidance and support in the Delaware National Guard.

  • Aunt Sharon,aunt Connie,uncle Micheal,uncle bobby I am very sore for the loss of your father he was a loving caring man I will miss my uncle/godfather so very much he is in a better place now with alot of ppl in heaven rest easy

  • It was always a pleasure to see uncle Bill. He would always ask how you and your family were doing and truly cared about everyone. I will miss one of the kindest most caring men I’ve ever known. Your memories will live forever in our hearts and thoughts. Rest in peace.

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • On behalf of the entire Marlin Run Community in Burnt Store Marina, please except our deepest condolences on Bill’s passing. I have asked our management company to post Bill’s passing to our website for all residents to see.
    Bob Siladke
    President, Marlin Run Condo Association.

  • to Bobby, Michael, Ray, Connie, Sharon and your families. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I think all of us on Juniper Street loved him, and my dad held him in the highest respect. I thank him for his years of service to our country and our state. Fondly, Leni Quigley

  • Bobby, Connie, Michael, Sharon and Ray, I am so very saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. I know these past months have been heart wrenching for you all. Your dad was an honorable and decent man! That’s a legacy to be proud of.

    Caren Bond
    Punta Gorda, Florida

  • CSM Sharpe and my dad served together for decades in the Delaware National Guard. He was an exceptional man. Caring and loyal to his troops. His service was a great credit to our state and our nation.

  • So sorry to hear about your lose I know he will be deeply missed, such a kind man I’m sure he’s making friends up stairs.

  • To Ray Sr., Ray Jr. and Tiffany. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May God’s hand provide warmth, comfort and peace during this difficult time. After reading the posts here he must have been a wonderful person. I wish I could have known him.

  • Ray & Barb: Deepest sympathy for your family. May your Dad be remembered for all he did for his family & country. May he rest in peace…Amen.

  • My condolences go out to all of the Sharpe family, brothers and sisters, children and spouses and grandchildren and their spouses and great grand children! My mom and dad, Dave and Ann Witt were best friends through out life with Nellie and Sharpie. I have very fond memories of us growing up together. We were so happy when you moved to Washington Park. I always felt so comfortable talking to your Dad (Sharpie). I had the utmost respect for him. He was a great man and a great soldier!
    You will be mssed by many.
    Love,
    Linda Witt Denney