Melton Laverne Sharpe, the epitome of a good man, met his Lord and Savior on October 22, 2021. He served his country proudly, loved his family dearly, and praised his God continuously.

He was a retired Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam. He also worked as Comptroller at East Lowndes Water Association. He was a member of East End Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was project coordinator when the new building was built. He served to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by handing out Bibles in his service as a Gideon. He also represented Christ in his day-to-day life with anyone he met. If there was a need, he would do his best to fill it. He coached his daughter's softball teams, enjoyed bass fishing, golfing, and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves baseball.

He was born on January 13, 1939, in Columbia, SC. He was the beloved baby and only boy of three children. At Olympia High School, he lettered in four sports. A love of sports stayed with him his entire life. Following his 22 years in the Air Force, he graduated with a degree in business from William Carey College. He then started his 22-year career with ELWA.

His parents, Perry Lee Sharpe and Margaret Lillian Goodman Sharpe preceded him in death, as does his older sister Marlene Ritchie.  He is survived by his beloved soulmate and wife, Jo Ann, who met him when she was 14. They married when she was 17 and he was 18. They celebrated their 64 ^th wedding anniversary in June.

Survivors also include his three daughters, Debra Radowick, Susanne Sharpe, and Rhonda Barnhill, Brian Barnhill, a bonus child added to the family when he married, and six grandchildren: Violet Proulx, Megan (Jyn) Majewski, Cash Radowick, Connor Barnhill, and Bailey Barnhill. His beloved sister, Norma Ritchie, his dear cousin, June Suite along with numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members are also grieving his loss.

At this time, the family chooses to postpone a memorial service until a future time. If you wish, you may donate to one of his two favorite institutions, East End Baptist Church, POB  8480, Columbus MS 39705, or The Gideons International, POB 2174, Columbus MS 39704.