Royal Chesla Sharp, eighty-one, of Limestone died suddenly on March 3 following a stroke last week. “Ches” Sharp was born in Caryville, Tennessee and grew up in LaFollette. He graduated from Carson-Newman College and received a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He did additional graduate level work at the University of Chicago before attending the University of Wisconsin where he received a doctorate in English. He and his wife Ruth met while in graduate school at Wisconsin.
For twenty-seven years “Ches” Sharp taught English at East Tennessee State University. He enjoyed gardening and caring for his historic property in Limestone. He took a walk every day with his pet White Highland Terrier, Caesar, who will miss him sorely.
Visitation hours for Ches Sharp will be at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough from 1:00 to 2:30 Sunday, March 6. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741. (http://bestfriends.org)
05/10/2016
Rebecca Grindstaff
My Joseph thought the world of both of you. Fond
memories. So sorry for your loss. I just found
out. My deepest sympathy.
03/08/2016
Catherine Romaine Henderson
So sad to hear of Dr. Sharp's passing. He was one of my favorite
professors at ETSU, and I took every class he taught so I could enjoy
his intellect and humor. He was famous (in ETSU student circles) for
the dreaded Grammar and Usage course, which was the death of
many education majors, and the delight of English majors like
myself. Such a special person; he will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear about Cheesla he was a wonderful
person
Lots of love aunt Inez
from the family of Raymond Lowe
Dear Ruth,
I am so saddened to learn of Ches's death. Although I haven't
seen you in a couple of years, I have long considered the two
of you treasured friends. You were a joy to travel with, and
your absence from the book group has been a loss to the rest
of us. The two of you made such a perfect couple! I know you
will miss him dreadfully. I am having health issues and cannot
come to the service, but please know that you are in my heart
and my thoughts.
Love,
Jean
03/06/2016
Barbara Davis McGavock
Ruth, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
03/06/2016
Barbara Davis McGavock
Ruth, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
03/06/2016
Sharon James McGee
Dear Mrs. Sharp, I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Sharp's
passing. In December of 1989, I quit the job I'd taken just after
graduating earlier that year from UT (BA, English), and moved back
home with my parents. Not knowing exactly what to do, I applied
for the MA program at ETSU, and Dr. Sharp was the graduate
director. My grades had been so-so in undergrad, and Dr. Sharp
asked me to come in and speak with him about my application.
After doing so, he took a chance on me. And I found a course of
study that excited me (I worked with Dr. Sherrill). From ETSU, I left
to go into one of the top PhD programs in my area and graduated.
I'm currently a full Professor and Department Chair at Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville.
Dr. Sharp was an intelligent man, of course. But even more
important, he was a compassionate man who cared about his
students.
I will always remember him fondly.
May you find comfort and peace at this sad time.
03/05/2016
Barbara Lowe Cross
Remembering Days of long ago. Our thoughts and prayers are
with you.
The late Uncle Jake and Aunt Juanita Lowes family
Barbara Cross & Family and Evelyn Lowe & family.
03/04/2016
Cynthia Burnley
Ruth, I was saddened to hear of the stroke and passing of Ches. I regret that Bob and I will be unable to attend the visitation or service, as we had already made arrangements to be out of town all weekend. I will send a memorial donation to Best Friends Animal Society. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of help to you next week and afterward.
