Harrell Ray Sharp passed away on November 26, 2021, at Hamilton Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
He was born on Dec. 24, 1947, to Harrell and Katherine Sharp in Shelbyville, Tn. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Annette Gregory and Marie Summarell; mother-in-law, Vera Byrom Carpenter; and brothers-in-law Michael Byrom, Danny Byrom, Wayne Gregory, and Gary Summarell.
Ray loved his family and always looked forward to family cookouts, meals around the dining table, and family trips to the beach. These lasting memories will be treasured by his loving wife of 53 years, Delilah Sharp; his son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Robin Sharp; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Chris Bollwerk; four beautiful grandchildren whom he adored, Katie Bollwerk, Lilli Sharp, Tyler Bollwerk, and Mary Sharp, all of whom live in Dalton, GA; brother-in-law, Keith Byrom of Ashville, NC; sister-in-law, Darlene Byrom, of Forrest, VA; and special friends, Nick and Brenda Ownbey and Roger and Pat Chenard.
Ray was an educator in Whitfield County Schools for most of his 31-year career. He served as principal at Eastbrook Middle School, Westside Middle School, and Glynn County Middle School. He also coached basketball at Westside Middle School and at Southeast High School, yet he always considered himself primarily a history teacher.
He was an avid reader and a life-long learner who enjoyed watching the History channel, SEC football, NCAA basketball, and good movies. Prior to his illness, he enjoyed traveling, the beach, fishing, tennis, jogging, and eating out with great friends.
A memorial service will be held at Tunnel Hill United Methodist Church at Sunday, Nov. 28, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 1-3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Whitfield Education Foundation, 1306 S. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720 or wefga.org
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Dr., Dalton, GA 30721, (706) 226-4002.