Rick Sharpe at WFLI radio
Chattanooga lost another veteran broadcaster, Richard (Rick) Sharpe. After several years at WFLI, he also did the morning show at WDOD for a year, and spent about 15 years as Luther’s producer on WDEF AM and FM radio. He led an interesting life outside of radio too, very active in the Tri-State Rose Society, and helping his wife Carol keep their home and property among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Rick and Carol were married for 61 years, and she has shown him the best tender loving care during the past several years as Rick dealt with various illnesses and injuries. He graduated from McCallie School and the University of Chattanooga, but he was born into radio. His dad owned a station in Cleveland, TN, and Rick worked in several markets before settling in Chattanooga in the 1960s. He also loved his model train set, the Boston Red Sox, the Atlanta Braves, and of course the Chattanooga Mocs. He was a regular for many years at Moc basketball games.
Rick looked forward to the annual Christmas luncheon of Veterans of Radio Wars in December when broadcasters get together and share stories of the business.
Rick was one of the most humble, kind people I’ve ever met. He had a great sense of humor, and he just radiated kindness. Until the very end, he loved reminiscing about radio: the people he worked with, and the hit songs he played.
Rick was easy going by nature, and I loved his stories about keeping Luther in line, as Luther was rushing to play a few records, along with those 47 commercials and 33 phone calls he did each hour (at least it seemed that way).
I will always miss Rick, his radio-perfect voice, and his always-positive personality. Carol Sharpe is on Facebook if you’d like to send her a message.
WFLI Radio Manager Johnny Eagle said, “Rick (known on the air as Rick Shaw) was dependable and part of a very successful radio team. We will really miss his familiar smile around town.”
Funeral/memorial arrangements will be made a bit later, when his children from out of state can participate.
Rick Sharpe in early broadcasting days