Sharp, Joel G.

Joel G. Sharp died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Sharp, Sr., as well as his older brother, Jimmy Dan Sharp.

Joel is survived by his adoring son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Katina Sharp, and grandson, Conner Sharp. He is also survived by brothers, Jack (Jean) Sharp, Jerry (Francis) Sharp, H. A. Sharp, Jr. and sister, JoAnn (Perry) Shipley, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, and other family.

Joel Sharp was a righteous man. He held the conviction of his belief in Jesus Christ above all things, but no one would deny that next on his list was his love and devotion to the light of his life — his young grandson, Conner.

After 40 years of hard work, Joel retired from Dupont in Chattanooga to help take care of Conner on an everyday basis. We all know that Joel’s wish for Conner was for him to one day grow to be as fine a man and father as Joel’s son, Steve, turned out to be. Joel was a tireless father who devoted himself to making sure Steve always had everything he needed, and he continued that tradition with Conner. Joel was a man of his word and would never let you down. He was always there to help you out, and he had a tirelessly optimistic attitude. Joel believed everything would always work out if you just trusted in the Lord, but Joel also did his part to assist the Lord in helping those in need. Joel strived every day to be God’s instrument and to do his will.

In so many ways Joel’s life was also lived in dedication to the life and ideals of his father, Hartford Sharp. Whether it was carrying on the tradition of the watchmaker’s art or, most importantly, preaching and teaching whomever would listen to the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ, we could all see the original Paw-Paw Sharp in Joel. Eventually, Joel became a real “Paw-Paw Sharp” himself when grandson Conner came along.

When not with Steve, Katina, and Conner, Joel also loved spending time with his great friend, Dr. Tim Decker. They shared a love of great timepieces and have enjoyed attending watch shows together for many years. Of course, we all know that Joel was also a devoted UT sports fan – you always knew what he’d be doing on the third Saturday in October. Sometimes he loved The Vols, sometimes he didn’t love them as much, but he and Steve were always there to cheer them on.

There will be something important missing from the Sharp family gatherings from now on; there always is when you lose someone you love like Joel. We’ll miss his always joyful attitude and his constant willingness to lend a hand. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Worldly possessions meant little to Joel. Time with family and friends meant so much more to him. He knew the only important possession was everlasting life and he lived with that always on his mind.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel. Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace. Visit our guestbook at www.lane-coulterchapel.com to send condolences.