Roger W. Sharp
Roger W. Sharp, 71, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
He was born Aug. 4, 1953, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Russell and Elizabeth Martin Sharp. He was a 1971 graduate of Jefferson City High School. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, R.T. Sharp.
Roger dedicated his career to the family-owned grocery business. He worked at Piggly Wiggly locations in Jefferson City, Lake City, Clinton, and Strawberry Plains before purchasing his own store in 2005, operating Gateway IGA in Rockwood, Tennessee.
He loved his work and community. In his 54 years in business, Roger employed many high school and college students, often giving them their first jobs and helping prepare them for the working world. He led by example, working diligently and prioritizing customer service. He never asked an employee to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, treating his staff with fairness and respect. In turn, the employees had great respect for him and learned lessons he hoped would serve them well in their futures.
His customers frequently praised his store as the cleanest they had ever visited, and appreciated his friendly and helpful employees.
Over the years, Roger turned many customers into dear friends and extended family, who would often seek him out when they came into the store to share life events with him. Whether it was happy news like weddings and births, or sad news of health issues or lost loved ones, they knew Roger would be there to listen and share kind, encouraging words and support. They showed their care and support by bringing in goodies for him and Mary to share, from pies and cakes to chicken noodle soup. He appreciated every bite.
It was rare for Roger to go anywhere in Knox, Anderson, or Roane County without running into someone who knew him from the stores. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed University of Tennessee sports, antique cars, and traveling.
Roger leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Maples Sharp. He is also survived by his son, Charles “Chuck” Sharp; grandchildren, Courtney Sharp and Tyler Sharp; great-grandson, Miles Griffin; brothers, Ron Sharp and Kenny Sharp (Robin); sister, Donna Sharp; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. with Chaplain Bruce K. Foster officiating. Graveside and entombment services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, Tennessee.
The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Health Homecare and Hospice for their care during Roger’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Roger W. Sharp.
