GIBSONVILLE — Rickey Bernard Sharpe, 79, of Gibsonville went home to be with the Lord peacefully with family by his side on March 11, 2024 at 3:55 p.m.
Rickey was born July 14,1944. He was the loving husband of Connie Yates Sharpe for 45 years, who survives. He was the first child of seven born to Bynum Bernard Sharpe and Molene Pegg Sharpe, Both deceased. He was a lifetime resident of Burlington, specifically the Alamance Battleground. Rickey loved his Battleground community and all his friends and neighbors that reside there. His dealership became the “gathering spot” for the community. Rickey and his parents opened Bynum Sharpe Motors Inc. in 1959. Running the car lot with his daughter, Tanya was truly his lifetime passion and he did so right up to the time he left us to go to his heavenly home. Rickey was a true salesman, best at his trade. His engaging personality brought back repeat customers for many years to come. He never met a stranger, making friends everywhere he would go. He also cherished going to the car auction with his granddaughter Erika.
Rickey was a loyal, lifetime member of Low’s Lutheran Church. He served as Sunday school teacher, usher, and church council member. Rickey was a community leader as part of the Civitans, Moose Lodge, Sertoma, Shag Club, Mason and Shriner. He was a past president at the Burlington Shrine Club. Rickey and Connie enjoyed socializing and making memories at the Burlington Shrine Club. Rickey loved all sports, NASCAR, Richard Petty, UNC Tarheels, and listening to country, bluegrass, and beach music. He loved listening to his brother William’s band. Many family memories were made at his lake house and his beach condo.
Left to celebrate his life and legacy are his loving, devoted wife, Connie of the residence; daughter, Tanya Sharpe and husband Rickie Lacks of Gibsonville and daughter, Lisa Sharpe Ochs of Greenville, SC. He is also survived by his siblings, Doug Sharpe and wife Brenda of Burlington; sister, Patsy Phillips and husband Don of Greensboro; sister, Terrie Chrisce of Burlington; sister, Portia Dumond and husband Paul of Stuart, FL; sister, Lou Ann Brown and husband Lawson of Burlington; and brother, William Sharpe and fiance Terri Wiles of Burlington. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, along with many friends he called family.
Nothing was more important than family to Rickey. He adored his siblings and maintained a close relationship with them all. “Paw Paw” as he was called by his loving grandkids and great grandkids, never missed any extracurricular activities. Many of these were sponsored by their devoted and supportive Paw Paw Rickey. He was so proud of all their accomplishments. He was admired by all who knew him. Surviving are four granddaughters, Erika Perkins and husband John of Whitsett, Morgan Solomon and husband Brandon of Burlington, Brooke Oakes of Graham and Sydney Oakes of Clemson, SC. There are three surviving great grandchildren, Esme Rae of Burlington, Caroline Perkins of Whitsett, and Matthew Perkins of Whitsett. His beloved dog, Edy, was his car lot buddy.
The family would like to thank AuthoraCare Hospice of Alamance County for their beloved care for Rickey on the last days of his life.
The family will receive friends at the residence in Gibsonville.
The visitation will be on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 6 until 8 p.m. at RIch & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington.
The funeral will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Low’s Lutheran Church at 2136 NC61, Liberty, NC 27298.
In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions may be made to Low’s Lutheran Church or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
