Luther David Sharp, Jr., 1916 - 2007
Luther David Sharp, Jr., died at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 17, 2007.
He was born on his father's birthday, June 8, 1916, at the pioneer home-place of Silas Sharp in Slatyfork.
He was known, familiarly, as "Dave" during his adult years and "Junior" as a young child.
Early childhood education was in a one-room schoolhouse. In 1930, with a redesign by noted furniture maker, Harvey Bright, this historic building became the Slatyfork Methodist Church. Dave Sharp was a student at Edray District High School in Marlinton. He graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1939 with a degree in business. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and was active in thespian productions as stage designer. He became a watchmaker and, in 1942, he and his wife, Sylvia, established Sharp's Jewelers on Madison Road in Cincinnati. A graduate of Gemological Institute of America, he also belonged to the American Gem Society. Dave was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years.
Dave Sharp owned Sharp's Country Store in Slatyfork. With an early interest as a historian, he used magnetic wire tape to document the oral history of the Sharp Family of Slatyfork. He was an ardent promoter of tourism for his native state of West Virginia. Anyone who ever met him will remember his keen wit and anticipation of resultant smiles.
Travelers along scenic Route 219 take note of the "Man About to Fall" clutching a ladder on the side of a barn at the Sharp Farm. This is his creation.
He was predeceased by his parents, Luther David and Laura Jane Morgan Sharp; by his wife of sixty-four years, Sylvia Virginia Friel Sharp; by sisters, Creola Sharp, Ada Johnson Curtain, Violet Markland; and by brothers, Ivan Lilbern Sharp, Paul Lewis Sharp, and Silas (Si) Samuel Sharp.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda Thompson; grandchildren, Matthew Eduardo, Bridget Carroll, Virginia Allen; several nieces and nephews; and one great-grandchild. Harry Hannah, a Masonic Brother, who lived nearby, was a close and devoted friend.
Visitation was at Clepper Funeral Home, Cincinnati, Ohio 45209, Tuesday, November 20. along with Masonic services, followed on Friday, November 23, by a visitation from 7 to 9 at the Sharp family home in Slatyfork.
The funeral service will be Saturday, November 24, at the Slatyfork United Methodist Church beginning at 10 a.m. with The Reverend Robert Mann officiating. Burial will follow at the Sharp Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Slatyfork United Methodist Church, in care of: Gene Gibson, Rt. 219, Drawer 60, Slatyfork, West Virginia 26291.