Richard George Sharp, veteran, owned Sharpie’s Service
Richard “Sharpie” George Sharp, 86, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at his residence in Lewes. He was born Dec. 2, 1936, in Lewes, 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 20-year tenure. During this time, he served as a boating instructor and drill sergeant. Sharpie proudly retired as a chief BMC with a magnitude of accolades to his name, including 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, Lewes Train Station, and Zwaanendael Museum.
Sharpie was a member of 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, Sally Sharp-Thatcher (Jim) of Durham, Pa., and Sherri Sharp Penuel (Mark) of Milton; his stepson, Richard A. Speigel of Vietnam; his daughter-in-law, Hien Speigel of Milton; his 15 grandchildren, Christopher, Alyssa, Brittany, Tyler, Jennifer, Kristy, Meghann, Erik, Cody, Hunter, Taylor Paige, Hailey, Sadie, Sienna and Sage; and his 11 great-grandchildren: Jack, Carter, Morgan, Asher, Renly, Sawyer, Ella, Weston, Clark, Damian and Gavin.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where the visitation will begin at noon. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Sharpie’s honor to Lewes Lions Club, P.O. Box 791, Lewes, DE 19958.
Visit Sharpie’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
