Ronald Joe Sharp

Ronald Joe Sharp, strong, noble, a man of honor and a servant of God passed from this life on Monday, July 22 in his home after a brief battle with cancer.

Ron was born on August 9, 1935 in Covington, Oklahoma to his parents, Eugene D. Sharp (Joe) and Alice H. Davidson Sharp. He grew up in Pawnee, Oklahoma graduating from Pawnee High in 1953. His school years were filled with 4-H projects, working as a life-guard, milking and selling milk from his dairy cattle and being the “big brother” for his two brothers and one sister. Being the child of two school teachers, education was the heart of his family and that love of knowledge would lead to his career of a life-time.

After graduation, Ron entered Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater majoring in animal science. His college years found him very involved in the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity and he continued his association with the Stillwater AGR group until his death, serving on boards and alumni activities. Ron graduated as the last class of Oklahoma A&M before the school was renamed Oklahoma State University. He later returned to OSU where he received his Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Poultry Production.

Upon college graduation, he began a career with Oklahoma Ag Statistics and later joined the OSU Cooperative Extension Service working in Coal, Muskogee, Pushmataha and Carter Counties as Agriculture Agent and County Director. He celebrated a 35-year career retiring in 1995. During his career, he served as the President of the Oklahoma Ag Agents Association, Southeast District Director for the Association and was a recipient of many awards and recognitions during his stellar career.

Ron enjoyed many hobbies; wood carving, hunting, raising cattle, spending time with friends and he was an avid gardener. He served on the Leadership team of the Central Church, was a member of the Dickson School Board for many years, a member of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce and the Antlers Chamber of Commerce and above all was very devoted to his family.
On April 12, 1986, Ron and Debbie Pierce were united in marriage in Ardmore. This was the beginning of a new experience for Ron, serving as step-father to four young children and he rose to meet this challenge and travel beyond. He never missed ballgames, school activities, stock shows or anything that his kids were involved in. He always said that this group kept him young and active. He was a wonderful father to his son, David, and to his four-step children and he left not only a part of his heart with each of them but he left many strong values and examples for them to follow.

Ron’s life changed again in 1996 when he developed a special bond with his infant grandson, Morgan, whom Ron cared for and raised. This bond was never broken and Ron took great pride in the man Morgan became.

Ron is survived by his wife, Debbie, of the home; one son, David Paul Sharp, Perry, OK; step-children, Amy Pierce Barbush and husband, John, of Edmond, Scott Christian, of Broken Bow, OK, Patrick Pierce and wife, Ashley, of Bennington, OK and Michael Pierce, of Boswell, OK. He also leaves one sister, Karen Gray and husband, Dr. Charles Gray, of Edmond; brother, Raymond Sharp and wife, Jeannie, of Stillwater and brother, David Sharp and wife, Carol, of Leedy, OK.

His grandchildren include Aaron Sharp, Alea Sharp Hubbard, Ella and Mac Barbush, Bradlea and Gary Christian, Jaxon, Jeremy and Timberlynn Pierce, Jude, Jolea, Patrick, Maddie, Tom and Morgan Pierce. He was also honored with four great-grandchildren, Kate and Dillon Hubbard and Branson and Lucy Christian.
Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends are included in Ron’s circle of family.

Services will be held on Friday, July 26th at the First Baptist Church of Davis at 10:00 a.m. with Thomas Thompson officiating.

Pallbearers will be David Sharp, Patrick Pierce, Morgan Pierce, John Barbush, Eric Gray, Aaron Sharp and assisted by Mac Barbush.

Honorary pallbearers will be fellow AGR members, Central Church Leadership Team members, Nevada Blankenship, James Taliaferro, Dwayne Blanton, and Danny Linville.