Roger W Sharp

Roger W. Sharp, age 71, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. Roger was born on August 4, 1953, in Lake City, TN, to the late Russell & Elizabeth Martin Sharp, and 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 worked his entire career in the family owned grocery business. He started in the Piggly Wiggly's in Jefferson City, Lake City, Clinton, and Strawberry Plains until he purchased his own store in 2005, which operated as Gateway IGA in Rockwood, TN. Roger loved his store and his community. In his 54 years in business, Roger hired many young high school and college students, many to their first job, and helped prepare them for life in the working world. He always led his employees by example, working diligently at whatever task was before him while continuing to offer the best customer service around. He never asked an employee to do anything he wouldn't do himself and treated his employees with fairness and respect. In turn, the employees had great respect for him and learned many lessons that he hoped would serve them well in their futures. Customers could often be heard commenting that his store was the cleanest they had ever been in and thanking him for having such a friendly, helpful employees. Over the years, Roger turned many customers into dear friends and extended family, who would often times 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. His customers showed their care and support by bringing in goodies for he and Mary to share from pies and cakes to chicken noodle soup. He appreciated every bite!

It was rare that Roger went anywhere in Knox, Anderson, or Roane county without running into someone he knew from his days in the stores. Roger loved his family dearly and enjoyed all UT sports, antique cars, and traveling. 

Roger leaves to mourn his passing:

His loving wife of 38 years: Mary Maples Sharp

Son: Charles (Chuck) Sharp

Grandchildren: Courtney Sharp & Tyler Sharp

Great Grandson: Miles Griffin

Brothers: Ron Sharp, Kenny Sharp (Robin)

Sister: Donna Sharp

and many nieces, nephews, and cousins

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow at 8:00 pm ET with Chaplain Bruce K. Foster officiating. Graveside and entombment service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 am ET in the Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, TN.

The family would like to thank Covenant Health Homecare and Hospice for their care of Roger over the last weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Mr. Roger W. Sharp.