Billy Joe Sharpe, 68, of Hilda, died Dec. 19, 2011 at the Lexington Medical Center.
Funeral service was held Dec. 22 at the Hilda First Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery with Masonic rites accorded. Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell was in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Sharpe was born March 2, 1943 in Columbia. He was the son of the late Rev. James Charles Sharpe and the late Lillie Spradley Wylie. He was an U.S. Air Force veteran and owner of the Hilda Garage. He served for 38 ½ years as chief of the Hilda Fire Department. He founded and operated the Hilda Athletic Club for over 38 years, served as president of the SC USA Boxing for 17 years and retired as a Ranger with the SC Forestry Commission with 33 years. He was a member and Deacon of the Hilda First Baptist Church, Secretary of Hilda Masonic Lodge #426, member of the Omar Shrine Temple and the Gideon’s International.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Dyches Sharpe of Hilda; two sons, Joe Sharpe (Denise) Sharpe of Barnwell and Thomas (Angela) Sharpe of Hilda; three brothers, Robert L. Sharpe of Abilene Texas, Charles R. Sharpe of Wagner and Melvin E. Sharpe of Pelion; one sister, Clydie Sharpe of Columbia and six grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Hilda Athletic Club, PO Box 101, Hilda SC 29813 or the Hilda First Baptist Church Sound System Fund, PO Box 59, Hilda, SC 29813.
The People-Sentinel 12/28/11