Paul Dewey Sharp

PAUL DEWEY SHARP of Little Rock, Ark. passed away suddenly on Oct. 26, 2012. Paul lived an amazing life during his 60 years. He was born May 11, 1952 to Charles "Ike" and Billie Guerin Sharp. He graduated from Douglas High School in Douglas, Ariz. and later earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from Ouachita Baptist University (OBU). While at OBU, he was a 1971 Rho Sigma Initiate and 1975 Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) graduate. On Jan. 6, 1979, he married Sherrie Lynn Brown of Little Rock, Ark. at Immanuel Baptist Church. Paul was an extremely talented and capable person with diverse interests. He was a scholar athlete in college, excelling in both baseball and football. The son of an accomplished coach, Paul also chose coaching as a career. That career began at his beloved OBU where he served as Defensive Line Coach, then Offensive Line Coach from 1974-1978. In 1979, he became defensive coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas, serving in that capacity until 1982 when he accepted the same position at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. In 1986, Paul was hired by Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) as head coach where he remained for 19 years. Paul's tenure at SWOSU was very successful. There he led teams to two conference titles and one divisional crown with the 1992 team finishing ranked number one in the NAIA. That year, SWOSU made its first trip to the NAIA playoffs since 1977. In 1996, Paul led the Bulldogs to their first-ever football National Title. By 2003, he was named the school's most winning coach in school history. Paul was awarded National Coach of the Year in 1996 and was a member of the American Football Coaches Association, the Oklahoma Coaches Association and served as President of the NAIA Coaches' Association from 1993-1994. After retiring from coaching, Paul became an agent for Mutual of Omaha Insurance. Paul was a patriot who loved America and was a constant student of history. He appreciated the contributions made by those who came before him, and he loved to travel to locations rich with historical significance, read books on historical events, and listen to stories from elderly persons and veterans. He was a loyal friend, beloved by many. He had a special knack for making each person seem special. He particularly loved his family. He was a devoted son and brother, always willing to give. Paul was a wonderful, fun and loving husband of almost 34 years. He was particularly fond of family vacations and made each one special. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sherrie and his children Aaron (Tiffaney) Sharp of Benton and Adam (Julie) Sharp of Little Rock; his grandchildren, Hunter Sharp of Benton, and Aiden and Addison Sharp of Little Rock; his sister, Jane Sharp of Little Rock; his brother, David (Carrie) Sharp of Arkadelphia; nieces and nephews Jordan and Ashley Sharp of Arkadelphia and Claire and Baxter Woosley of Little Rock. Surviving in-laws include mother-in-law Joyce Brown, brothers-in-law David Brown and Steve Woosley and sister-in-law Debbie Woosley, all of Little Rock. Paul loved his alma mater, his country, and his friends and family, but above all, Paul loved his Lord. He lived his life in an effort to glorify Christ and to lead others to Him. Paul was an active leader in each church he attended. As a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Paul served as Chairman of the Deacons and taught weekly adult bible studies. His love of Ouachita Baptist University was an extension of his commitment to Christ. It was there that his father became a Christian, and throughout his life, Paul remained appreciative of the school's focus. Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 North Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Ark. on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Dr. Gary Hollingsworth and Dr. Bill Brown officiating. A reception will follow. Interment was at Old Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, Ark. No formal visitation is planned. Open viewing will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300. Pallbearers include: Rev. Phil Spigner, Robert Hallmark, Bob Beech, Dan Kirkpatrick, Mike Ober, Don Bush, Jordan Sharp, Baxter Woosley, and Joe Martin. Honorary Pallbearers include the SWOSU Football Teams of 1986-2004, Deacons of Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Deacons of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Weatherford, Okla. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Ouachita Baptist University Athletic Department, 100 Campus, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71998. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.