William Sharpe

Obituary of William Elmer Sharpe

William Elmer Sharpe was born on July 1, 1946 in Monroe, Michigan. He is one of eight born from the union of the late Bart and the late Dove (Prewitt) Sharpe. William attended Jefferson High School, graduating with the class of 1965. That same year, William was drafted into the United States Marine Corp to serve his country honorably. In 1967, he joined the National Guard where he retired in the signal battalion. Bill supported his family through employment with Ford Motor Company, where he worked on the assembly line making sway bars. He was an active member of Monroe Full Gospel Church where he regularly received his spiritual nourishment. Bill was an active member of the Monroe Rifle and Pistol Club, with affiliations to the National Rifle Association. He loved to joke and tease with those who encountered him. He was a great friend to everyone and a stranger to none, striking up a conversation with anyone that crossed his path. Bill was very kind man, he continued to serve his community by helping with the food ministry at Victory Temple Church. William Elmer Sharpe, age 70, of Erie passed away at home on October 27, 2016. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Wymer Sharpe, Waymon Sharpe, Warren Sharpe and Willard Sharpe, two sisters: Helen Gray and Alma White; and a grandson: Bryan Smith. To cherish his memory, William leaves his beloved wife of over ten years: Jill Sharpe of Monroe; his two daughters: Christy (Scott) Smith of Temperance, Caryn (Jeff) Wagner of Temperance; one step daughter: Chelsea Brown of Monroe; one sisters: Glenna (Randy) Cramer of Monroe; seven grandchildren: Derrick Smith, Jerrid Smith, Ty Wagner, Megan Wagner, Lindsay Wagner, Bree Wagner and Lilyanna Brown; brother-in-law: Jim Sancrant, Bill Sancrant; sisters-in-law: Susan (Harper) Sancrant; numerous nieces and nephews; and his hound dog: Tracks. Friends may gather on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734)241-7070. A celebration of His life will take place on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10:00am, also at Merkle’s, with Pastor Harold Raines and Pastor Gary Pickrell from Monroe Full Gospel Church officiating. He will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Online guests may leave works of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.