Ralph Wayne Sharpe

Ralph Wayne Sharpe, 81, of Reidsville, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

A Visitation with Family and Friends will be held  Thursday, Oct 6, 6- 8 PM  at Wilkerson Funeral Home and a funeral service will be held at Sharon Baptist Church, Ironworks Road, Reidsville, NC on Friday, Oct 7, 2022 at 2 PM.

He was born on December 25, 1940, in Reidsville NC. He retired from Martin Marietta Aggregates after a 40+ year career working in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Ralph lived a full and active life filled with love, dedication, and service to the Lord. An avid hobbyist, he restored antique tractors and attended farm shows around the southeast. He collected toy trains and constructed full model town from wood to scale including a model train. In his retirement, he enjoyed golfing with friends and going on cross-country road trips. He also enjoyed trips to the local antique shops sharing his wealth of knowledge with his beloved wife and always being able to identify rare and unique items.  A master craftsman, Ralph created masterpieces from wood. His hand-made wooden Christmas gifts were always favorites among his children, grandchildren and others, and the homemade peanut brittle. Examples of his extraordinary talent with wood can be found all over the Nation. Dedicated to his community, Ralph was a volunteer fireman with Bethany FD for 30+ years. He participated in countless mission trips with Sharon Baptist Church as well as with other charitable mission groups sharing his wealth of construction knowledge with younger generations in the process. Through such a rich and full life, Ralph acquired close friends wherever he went. No one doubted his love and dedication to his God, his Family and his friends. He will truly be missed and will hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was proceeded in death by parents Walter and Ella Pearl Thorntan Sharpe and wife of 40 years, Henrietta Thompson Sharpe. His siblings and step siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Karen Sharpe, his children – Mark (Donna) Sharpe, Myra (Billy) Austin, Marsha Lipford and bonus daughter Debbie (Mark) Moore. He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren Bethany, Kristi, Henry, Curtis, Jessica, Macey, Chase, Harrison and 6 great grandchildren – Cayden, Gauge, Oliver, Braxton, Annabelle, and Hattie Mae; sisters in law Millie Sharpe, Maxine Ray and step sister Pauline Somers. He is also survied by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharon Baptist Church or ALS Association of NC 4N. Blount St.#200, Raleigh, NC 27601.