It is with heavy hearts, the family of Gordon Delano Sharp, 86, announce his passing from cancer on November 17, 2023. Gordon was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him.
Gordon was born in Knoxville, TN and attended the University of Tennessee. He later joined the United States Air Force and served locally and overseas as a Military Policeman (MP). Gordon was stationed at the Columbus Air Force Base, (CAFB) Columbus, MS., during the time CAFB was under the Strategic Air Command. While stationed at the CAFB, he met his first wife, Virginia (Jenny) Mae James (deceased).
Upon leaving the Air Force, Gordon moved his family to Knoxville, TN where he owned and operated a gas station and convenience store. The family later moved to Decatur, GA, where Gordon worked for a nationally recognized cookie company. In 1968, Gordon moved the family to Indianola, MS., where he opened the Mr. Quik Convenience Store division with the Lewis Grocery Company. In 1978, he left Lewis Grocery and started Major Mart Inc., d/b/a
B-Quik Convenience Stores, moving to New Hope, MS before finally moving and establishing Major Mart’s corporate office in Starkville, MS.
In the late 1980’s, Gordon began serving the citizens of Oktibbeha County as a certified part time law enforcement officer with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Dolph Bryan. Gordon was introduced to his second wife, Betty Jean Kellum, in 1995 by Sheriff Bryan and was married in July 1995. Gordon retired from the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office in 2012 after serving with honor and distinction.
Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Irene Sharp, his first wife, Jenny Sharp and his daughter in law, Vickie Sharp.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Sharp, one sister, Gloria Householder, three children, Rick Sharp (Janet), of Starkville, MS., Deborah Sharp of Knoxville, TN., and Greg Sharp of Starkville, MS.; Betty’s children, Marty Kellum (Joy) and family of Brandon, MS., Karen Smith (Kenny) and family of Columbus, MS., Mike Kellum (Jan) and family of Social Circle, GA.; nine grandchildren, Steve Sharp, Leslie Sharp, Jason Russell, Jenny Russell, Laura Russell, James Russell, Anna Russell, Justin Russell, Ashley Sharp; nieces and nephews, Eddie Householder, Mark Householder and Tish Householder.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at Welch Funeral Home with the service immediately following. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, TN at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, by mail or by phone 1-800-227-2345.
