OBITUARY
EVERETT M. SHARP age 90, of Vestavia Hills, died Mar. 15, 1996. He was a native of Eau Claire, Michigan and was born May 4, 1905. He moved to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for Clark Equipment Company. He was associated with Clark Equipment for 60 years, owning the dealership company M-H Equipment Company. He was a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge of Battle Creek, Michigan, and the Dixon Mills Hunt Club. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel. Funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rideout's Valley Chapel. Burial will be in Battle Creek, Michigan from Farley Estates Funeral Home. Mr. Sharp is survived by his wife, Maggie Sharp; and sister, Louise Benedict of Mecosta, Michigan.
EVERETT M. SHARP--Mar. 17, 1996 (Everett's funeral)
As I reflected on the meaning of the life of Everett Sharp, my mind kept returning to the sixth chapter of Ephesians, verses 10-17. (scripture inserted)
I would like to begin with a word of gratitude from a younger generation for the qualities of leadership Everett Sharp has embodied through the years. He came of age between the wars. He was part of a generation that was tempered by war and the Great Depression. His family background in the Methodist Church helped mold his character. Today he wears the apron of a Mason. His Masonic community in Michigan was important to him. He was devoted to his family, his work, and to a high moral standard.
When I visited Everett a few years ago I asked, "What kind of work did you do?" I thought I would get a short answer, but it took him awhile to unfold the story before me. He worked, in one capacity or another, for Clark Equipment Company for sixty years. Today, it's hard to imagine a company staying together for sixty years! He came to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for five states.
He later was a Clark dealer as an owner of the M-H Equipment Company. He "retired", but the company kept calling him back to help. He proudly wore his twenty years pin with the word "Clark" on it. The amazing Thing about this pin is that it is an antique. It represents the first third of his career with Clark.
It has been a joy to listen to his colleagues and friends describe the depth of character, the quality of friendship, the loyalty and high standards Everett Sharp established. His coworkers and friends loved him, but they stayed mad at him! I believe this communicates his unique personality and strength. Those of us in my generation, and younger generations, often overlook the debt we owe to people like Everett Sharp. He once complained to Maggie about people wearing blue jeans in public places that he though required more appropriate attire. (I hope none of you are wearing jeans today--Mr. Sharp wouldn't approve!)
The Ephesians passage starts with the word "Finally". That seems an appropriate word to reflect on the long life and good times of Everett Sharp. He was strong, and it was clear that his strength came from a deep well. He knew that he did not live by his power alone. His faith and his Masonic experience taught him to trust in the strength of God's power. He put on the whole armor of God. I remember his joy as he described his hunting trips and his love for nature.
He was able to withstand adversity. One of the signs of his strength was his ability to adapt after the stroke. He was a "take charge" person, a "strong-willed" person. But he learned to let Maggie and her helpers take care of him, and they were smart enough to let him think he was in charge!
He wore the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. He was direct and up front with people. He didn't care whether you liked him; he just wanted to be sure you did what was expected of you.
"The gospel of peace". You can tell a great deal about a family by visiting in their home. The Sharp home was a place of peace. He maintained his sense of humor throughout his adversity. He was at peace and he could put you at peace.
We gather today not to celebrate our own merit. We understand the words of Psalm 130, that God does not keep score. We're here trusting in our shield of faith. Our helmet of salvation is Jesus Christ, our sword is the Spirit, which is rooted in the word of God.
We rejoice and give thanks for the 56 years that Everett and Maggie enjoyed together. Her care and devotion have inspired us all. She kept him going after the stroke. The red roses on the casket are in some ways a theme of this relationship. Mr. Sharp saw to it that red roses appeared each year on their anniversary.
We pray that God will bless Maggie and these friends in the hours and days ahead. We remember with thanksgiving the life of Everett Sharp, and we anticipate with joy the day when we will be reunited with him and with all who have gone before us in the faith.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forever.
Everett also was survived by his brother, Harold Sharp, of Berrien Center, Michigan. Everett and Harold never spoke to each other again after their mother died.
EVERETT M. SHARP age 90, of Vestavia Hills, died Mar. 15, 1996. He was a native of Eau Claire, Michigan and was born May 4, 1905. He moved to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for Clark Equipment Company. He was associated with Clark Equipment for 60 years, owning the dealership company M-H Equipment Company. He was a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge of Battle Creek, Michigan, and the Dixon Mills Hunt Club. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel. Funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rideout's Valley Chapel. Burial will be in Battle Creek, Michigan from Farley Estates Funeral Home. Mr. Sharp is survived by his wife, Maggie Sharp; and sister, Louise Benedict of Mecosta, Michigan.
EVERETT M. SHARP--Mar. 17, 1996 (Everett's funeral)
As I reflected on the meaning of the life of Everett Sharp, my mind kept returning to the sixth chapter of Ephesians, verses 10-17. (scripture inserted)
I would like to begin with a word of gratitude from a younger generation for the qualities of leadership Everett Sharp has embodied through the years. He came of age between the wars. He was part of a generation that was tempered by war and the Great Depression. His family background in the Methodist Church helped mold his character. Today he wears the apron of a Mason. His Masonic community in Michigan was important to him. He was devoted to his family, his work, and to a high moral standard.
When I visited Everett a few years ago I asked, "What kind of work did you do?" I thought I would get a short answer, but it took him awhile to unfold the story before me. He worked, in one capacity or another, for Clark Equipment Company for sixty years. Today, it's hard to imagine a company staying together for sixty years! He came to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for five states.
He later was a Clark dealer as an owner of the M-H Equipment Company. He "retired", but the company kept calling him back to help. He proudly wore his twenty years pin with the word "Clark" on it. The amazing Thing about this pin is that it is an antique. It represents the first third of his career with Clark.
It has been a joy to listen to his colleagues and friends describe the depth of character, the quality of friendship, the loyalty and high standards Everett Sharp established. His coworkers and friends loved him, but they stayed mad at him! I believe this communicates his unique personality and strength. Those of us in my generation, and younger generations, often overlook the debt we owe to people like Everett Sharp. He once complained to Maggie about people wearing blue jeans in public places that he though required more appropriate attire. (I hope none of you are wearing jeans today--Mr. Sharp wouldn't approve!)
The Ephesians passage starts with the word "Finally". That seems an appropriate word to reflect on the long life and good times of Everett Sharp. He was strong, and it was clear that his strength came from a deep well. He knew that he did not live by his power alone. His faith and his Masonic experience taught him to trust in the strength of God's power. He put on the whole armor of God. I remember his joy as he described his hunting trips and his love for nature.
He was able to withstand adversity. One of the signs of his strength was his ability to adapt after the stroke. He was a "take charge" person, a "strong-willed" person. But he learned to let Maggie and her helpers take care of him, and they were smart enough to let him think he was in charge!
He wore the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. He was direct and up front with people. He didn't care whether you liked him; he just wanted to be sure you did what was expected of you.
"The gospel of peace". You can tell a great deal about a family by visiting in their home. The Sharp home was a place of peace. He maintained his sense of humor throughout his adversity. He was at peace and he could put you at peace.
We gather today not to celebrate our own merit. We understand the words of Psalm 130, that God does not keep score. We're here trusting in our shield of faith. Our helmet of salvation is Jesus Christ, our sword is the Spirit, which is rooted in the word of God.
We rejoice and give thanks for the 56 years that Everett and Maggie enjoyed together. Her care and devotion have inspired us all. She kept him going after the stroke. The red roses on the casket are in some ways a theme of this relationship. Mr. Sharp saw to it that red roses appeared each year on their anniversary.
We pray that God will bless Maggie and these friends in the hours and days ahead. We remember with thanksgiving the life of Everett Sharp, and we anticipate with joy the day when we will be reunited with him and with all who have gone before us in the faith.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forever.
Everett also was survived by his brother, Harold Sharp, of Berrien Center, Michigan. Everett and Harold never spoke to each other again after their mother died.
OBITUARY
EVERETT M. SHARP age 90, of Vestavia Hills, died Mar. 15, 1996. He was a native of Eau Claire, Michigan and was born May 4, 1905. He moved to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for Clark Equipment Company. He was associated with Clark Equipment for 60 years, owning the dealership company M-H Equipment Company. He was a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge of Battle Creek, Michigan, and the Dixon Mills Hunt Club. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel. Funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rideout's Valley Chapel. Burial will be in Battle Creek, Michigan from Farley Estates Funeral Home. Mr. Sharp is survived by his wife, Maggie Sharp; and sister, Louise Benedict of Mecosta, Michigan.
EVERETT M. SHARP--Mar. 17, 1996 (Everett's funeral)
As I reflected on the meaning of the life of Everett Sharp, my mind kept returning to the sixth chapter of Ephesians, verses 10-17. (scripture inserted)
I would like to begin with a word of gratitude from a younger generation for the qualities of leadership Everett Sharp has embodied through the years. He came of age between the wars. He was part of a generation that was tempered by war and the Great Depression. His family background in the Methodist Church helped mold his character. Today he wears the apron of a Mason. His Masonic community in Michigan was important to him. He was devoted to his family, his work, and to a high moral standard.
When I visited Everett a few years ago I asked, "What kind of work did you do?" I thought I would get a short answer, but it took him awhile to unfold the story before me. He worked, in one capacity or another, for Clark Equipment Company for sixty years. Today, it's hard to imagine a company staying together for sixty years! He came to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for five states.
He later was a Clark dealer as an owner of the M-H Equipment Company. He "retired", but the company kept calling him back to help. He proudly wore his twenty years pin with the word "Clark" on it. The amazing Thing about this pin is that it is an antique. It represents the first third of his career with Clark.
It has been a joy to listen to his colleagues and friends describe the depth of character, the quality of friendship, the loyalty and high standards Everett Sharp established. His coworkers and friends loved him, but they stayed mad at him! I believe this communicates his unique personality and strength. Those of us in my generation, and younger generations, often overlook the debt we owe to people like Everett Sharp. He once complained to Maggie about people wearing blue jeans in public places that he though required more appropriate attire. (I hope none of you are wearing jeans today--Mr. Sharp wouldn't approve!)
The Ephesians passage starts with the word "Finally". That seems an appropriate word to reflect on the long life and good times of Everett Sharp. He was strong, and it was clear that his strength came from a deep well. He knew that he did not live by his power alone. His faith and his Masonic experience taught him to trust in the strength of God's power. He put on the whole armor of God. I remember his joy as he described his hunting trips and his love for nature.
He was able to withstand adversity. One of the signs of his strength was his ability to adapt after the stroke. He was a "take charge" person, a "strong-willed" person. But he learned to let Maggie and her helpers take care of him, and they were smart enough to let him think he was in charge!
He wore the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. He was direct and up front with people. He didn't care whether you liked him; he just wanted to be sure you did what was expected of you.
"The gospel of peace". You can tell a great deal about a family by visiting in their home. The Sharp home was a place of peace. He maintained his sense of humor throughout his adversity. He was at peace and he could put you at peace.
We gather today not to celebrate our own merit. We understand the words of Psalm 130, that God does not keep score. We're here trusting in our shield of faith. Our helmet of salvation is Jesus Christ, our sword is the Spirit, which is rooted in the word of God.
We rejoice and give thanks for the 56 years that Everett and Maggie enjoyed together. Her care and devotion have inspired us all. She kept him going after the stroke. The red roses on the casket are in some ways a theme of this relationship. Mr. Sharp saw to it that red roses appeared each year on their anniversary.
We pray that God will bless Maggie and these friends in the hours and days ahead. We remember with thanksgiving the life of Everett Sharp, and we anticipate with joy the day when we will be reunited with him and with all who have gone before us in the faith.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forever.
Everett also was survived by his brother, Harold Sharp, of Berrien Center, Michigan. Everett and Harold never spoke to each other again after their mother died.
EVERETT M. SHARP age 90, of Vestavia Hills, died Mar. 15, 1996. He was a native of Eau Claire, Michigan and was born May 4, 1905. He moved to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for Clark Equipment Company. He was associated with Clark Equipment for 60 years, owning the dealership company M-H Equipment Company. He was a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge of Battle Creek, Michigan, and the Dixon Mills Hunt Club. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel. Funeral service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rideout's Valley Chapel. Burial will be in Battle Creek, Michigan from Farley Estates Funeral Home. Mr. Sharp is survived by his wife, Maggie Sharp; and sister, Louise Benedict of Mecosta, Michigan.
EVERETT M. SHARP--Mar. 17, 1996 (Everett's funeral)
As I reflected on the meaning of the life of Everett Sharp, my mind kept returning to the sixth chapter of Ephesians, verses 10-17. (scripture inserted)
I would like to begin with a word of gratitude from a younger generation for the qualities of leadership Everett Sharp has embodied through the years. He came of age between the wars. He was part of a generation that was tempered by war and the Great Depression. His family background in the Methodist Church helped mold his character. Today he wears the apron of a Mason. His Masonic community in Michigan was important to him. He was devoted to his family, his work, and to a high moral standard.
When I visited Everett a few years ago I asked, "What kind of work did you do?" I thought I would get a short answer, but it took him awhile to unfold the story before me. He worked, in one capacity or another, for Clark Equipment Company for sixty years. Today, it's hard to imagine a company staying together for sixty years! He came to Birmingham in 1945 as District Manager for five states.
He later was a Clark dealer as an owner of the M-H Equipment Company. He "retired", but the company kept calling him back to help. He proudly wore his twenty years pin with the word "Clark" on it. The amazing Thing about this pin is that it is an antique. It represents the first third of his career with Clark.
It has been a joy to listen to his colleagues and friends describe the depth of character, the quality of friendship, the loyalty and high standards Everett Sharp established. His coworkers and friends loved him, but they stayed mad at him! I believe this communicates his unique personality and strength. Those of us in my generation, and younger generations, often overlook the debt we owe to people like Everett Sharp. He once complained to Maggie about people wearing blue jeans in public places that he though required more appropriate attire. (I hope none of you are wearing jeans today--Mr. Sharp wouldn't approve!)
The Ephesians passage starts with the word "Finally". That seems an appropriate word to reflect on the long life and good times of Everett Sharp. He was strong, and it was clear that his strength came from a deep well. He knew that he did not live by his power alone. His faith and his Masonic experience taught him to trust in the strength of God's power. He put on the whole armor of God. I remember his joy as he described his hunting trips and his love for nature.
He was able to withstand adversity. One of the signs of his strength was his ability to adapt after the stroke. He was a "take charge" person, a "strong-willed" person. But he learned to let Maggie and her helpers take care of him, and they were smart enough to let him think he was in charge!
He wore the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. He was direct and up front with people. He didn't care whether you liked him; he just wanted to be sure you did what was expected of you.
"The gospel of peace". You can tell a great deal about a family by visiting in their home. The Sharp home was a place of peace. He maintained his sense of humor throughout his adversity. He was at peace and he could put you at peace.
We gather today not to celebrate our own merit. We understand the words of Psalm 130, that God does not keep score. We're here trusting in our shield of faith. Our helmet of salvation is Jesus Christ, our sword is the Spirit, which is rooted in the word of God.
We rejoice and give thanks for the 56 years that Everett and Maggie enjoyed together. Her care and devotion have inspired us all. She kept him going after the stroke. The red roses on the casket are in some ways a theme of this relationship. Mr. Sharp saw to it that red roses appeared each year on their anniversary.
We pray that God will bless Maggie and these friends in the hours and days ahead. We remember with thanksgiving the life of Everett Sharp, and we anticipate with joy the day when we will be reunited with him and with all who have gone before us in the faith.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forever.
Everett also was survived by his brother, Harold Sharp, of Berrien Center, Michigan. Everett and Harold never spoke to each other again after their mother died.
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