Robert James Sharp

Robert James Sharp was born April 26, 1941, in Camden, NJ, to Helen and Elwood Sharp (both deceased).  He was raised in a loving Christian family in South Jersey.  He passed away after a brief illness.  Bob accepted his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a young boy at Maple Shade Baptist Church, NJ during special services where his parents provided the music.  He is survived by his wife, Bonnie L. Sharp and his sisters, Judie Fieger and Joyce Sharp of New Jersey.  He is also survived by two daughters, Susan Knee (husband William Knee) and Missy Roffler (husband Trent Roffler) and five grandchildren - Grace Roffler, Emmett Knee, Ella Knee, Brett Roffler and Charles Knee.

With support from his parents and the generosity of a beloved aunt, he was able to attend a Christian school for grades 1 - 8.  In 1958 he graduated from Haddon Heights High School and in 1962 he was awarded a degree in Psychology and Sociology from Rutgers University.

School was followed by a lifelong career with the YMCA, beginning with youth work in Buffalo, NY and retired in 1996 as President/CEO in Madison, WI.  Bob and Bonnie retired to Mount Pleasant, SC.

It was in Buffalo where he attended Prospect Avenue Baptist Church and met a young lady, Bonnie Swartz.  After a year of dating and engagement he married the preacher's daughter on August 7, 1965.

Music was a big part of the Sharp family and Bob started piano lessons at age 8.  At age 13 it was the organ he really wanted to play, and at the age of 14, he began his first church organist position.  Throughout his working years and into retirement, playing organ for several churches was his avocation.

Bob and Bonnie attend First Baptist Church in Charleston, SC.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843 884 3833.  Services will be private for the convenience of the family.