Gary Walton Sharp

Gary Walton Sharp, age 69, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee.

Gary, who was known to his friends and family as “Bummie” and “Rooster”, was born on February 2, 1946 to Lonnie Franklin Sharp and Opal Irene Chatman Sharp in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. He was married for thirty-two years to Deborah Lynn Roberts Sharp, having wed on May 12, 1984. Rooster was a thirty-five year employee of the Maury County Highway Department and loved his job and co-workers. He was a member of the Ebenezer Church.

Bummie loved joking and making people smile. He loved his beans and taters. Not only did he work for Maury County for a living, but he also served the county as a member of the Civil Defense. Rooster enjoyed working outside, especially gardening. As for entertainment, he was kind of an old-fashioned guy, still enjoying Hee Haw and westerns on TV. NASCAR, wrestling and football were his favorite sports and he enjoyed them immensely.

Gary is survived by his loving wife: Deborah Lynn Sharp of Columbia; daughters: Mary “Amber” Sharp and Tia Lavon Sharp; siblings: Kathy (Thomas) McNabb, Shelby Cates, Donald “Duck” (Sharon) Sharp, Charles “Shorty” Sharp; sisters-in-law: Katherine (Glen) Hodge, Tammy Roberts, Joann Chatman, Linda Lawrence and Caroline Small; brothers-in-law: Melvin (Sherry) Roberts, Donnie (Kathy) Roberts; and several nieces and nephews and a special aunt: Willie Mae McWilliams. He was preceded in death by his parents: Lonnie Franklin Sharp and Opal Irene Chatman Sharp; and his brother: Bill Sharp.

Funeral services for Mr. Sharp will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee with Dickey Lindsey officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Antione Amie, Floyd Cates, Glen Hodge, Jr., Tyler Hodge, Timothy Cates, Dewayne Mitchell, Melvin Roberts, Jr. and Sam Roberts will serve as pallbearers. The Maury County Highway Department will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Shannon Stinnet Seri and the staff at Williamson Medical Center.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .