Ray Sharp

Ray William Sharp left this world on November 17th, 2020. He was born the oldest of three children to Jimmy Ray and Patricia Ann (Massey) Sharp on February 25th, 1965. Ray was a lifelong sportsman, a “jack of all trades,” and a friend to everyone. Ray never met a stranger, lit up a room and will forever be remembered as gentle, kind and dependable.

Ray spent many of his early years, training in competitive speed skating alongside his siblings, Craig and Ginger. Ray trained diligently in speed skating, reaching national and world championships; and to this date, still maintains unbroken records. Ray’s life was forever changed when he met his life-long relay partner -- Donna Lea (Lynch) Sharp. Ray and Donna met at the ages of 6 and 5, respectively; they became teammates, then best friends and, ultimately, the love of each other’s life. At this time in his life, many knew him as “Ray-Ray.”  Ray and Donna were inseparable throughout junior high and high school, married on June 2nd, 1990; and welcomed twins later that year, Javin Ray Sharp and Brittany Lea Sharp.

After Ray’s skating career had ended after high school, he travelled cross country in trucking distribution until accepted into the fire academy for Little Rock Fire Department. Ray graduated near the top of his class; and even though his career ended with LRFD, he continued his life in an effort to help others.

In November of 2018, “Ray-Ray” became better known as “PawPaw” to the new love of his life, “[his] little punkin’” -- Lana James Cruse. When one thought that  Ray could not be filled with any more love, he found exponential joy with her.

Ray was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents Jimmy Ray and Patricia Ann (Massey) Sharp. Ray is survived by so many friends and family, including his brother, Joseph Craig Sharp; his sister, Ginger Ann Sharp; Donna Lea (Lynch) Sharp; son, Javin Ray Sharp; daughter, Brittany Lea Sharp (Austin); and granddaughter, Lana James Cruse.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations on behalf of the Quality Living Center (QLC) of Little Rock.

A visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 23, 2020 at Friendship Baptist Church, followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.

State of AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required.  Maintain social distancing.