Obituary of John Freemont Sharpe, Sr.

John Freemont Sharpe Sr., age 79, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at his home in Brownsville, TN. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Tabernacle Cemetery, 3000 Tabernacle Road, Brownsville, TN with Dr. Susan Sharpe and Rev. Roger Penn officiating. John had a deep love for Haywood County and began his career with Brownsville Utilities Department as a summer employee in 1961. He was privileged to serve as Assistant Manager from 1964-1977 and was General Manager from 1977-2008. After retiring he served as a board advisor for the Brownsville Energy Authority. His professional positions include past president of Board of Directors of Central Service Association, past president of WTIA, past Chairman of MGSAC, past president of WDMA, past president of TMEPA, and past chairman of DIC. He was a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology and received a full four-year athletic scholarship in football. Having grown up in the shadow of the First United Methodist Church, John loved his church and was a faithful member of the Trustees serving as past chairman for over 20 years. He also worked tirelessly as a counselor of the Methodist Youth Fellowship for numerous years. John was a member of the Board of Directors, In-South Bank, Executive Committee and In-South Corporation. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn True Sharpe, one son, John Freemont Sharpe Jr. (Mary Ann), one daughter Mary Lewis Tims, all of Brownsville, TN, six grandchildren, James Andrew Tims (Melissa), Samuel Davis Tims (Ellis), Mary Randall Locke (Bryson), Matthew Tims, Mary Claiborne Sharpe, Sadie Sharpe, and one sister, Dr. Susan Sharpe. He was preceded in death by his son James Sumner Sharpe, his parents, Ben and Louise Sharpe, and one brother, Dr. Ben W. Sharpe (Martha). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Sharpe Scholarship/FUMC, First United Methodist Church, 117 E. Franklin Street, Brownsville, TN 38012 or the Tabernacle Cemetery Foundation, Betsy Thornton, 57 Old Highway 19, Brownsville, TN. All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.