TITLE: In memory of Joe E. Sharp.

SUMMARY: In memory of Joe E. Sharp.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and productive life drew to a close with the passing of Joe E. Sharp on March 9, 2015, at the age of 77; and WHEREAS, The son of H. E. and Alice Sharp, Joe Sharp was born in Childress on May 14, 1937; he graduated from Munday High School and completed his bachelor's degree in accounting at North Texas State University; after beginning a career in accounting with Peat Marwick Mitchell and Company, he established his own practice in Amarillo; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sharp embarked on a new path in 1984 with his acquisition of the First National Bank of Baird; he subsequently purchased a number of other banks, including First Security Bank of Beaver, First National Bank of Munday, and First National Bank of Weatherford; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Sharp's business interests grew to include a bank holding company, a bank software company, and a number of other enterprises; he chaired the board of First Bank Texas, First National Bank of Weatherford, First Security Bank of Beaver, and First Baird Bancshares, and he served on the board of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas; in business, as in every sphere of endeavor, he placed special emphasis on relationships, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to employees and customers alike; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan gave generously of his time and resources to a number of worthy organizations; he served on the board of Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, and he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Colleyville; moreover, he was a faithful partner of the Southwestern and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminaries, and he supported numerous charities both personally and through the banks that he led; and WHEREAS, Joe Sharp treasured, above all, the time he spent in the company of his family and friends, and those he leaves behind will forever cherish their memories of his kindness, faith, and devotion; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Joe E. Sharp and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Becky Sharp; to his children, Zan Prince and her husband, Mike, Steve Sharp, Keleigh Greenwood and her husband, Phil, Scott Sharp and his wife, Amanda, and Justin Sharp and his wife, Nikki; to his stepson, Tanner Hanley; to his 10 grandsons and 2 great-grandsons; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joe E. Sharp. King of Parker Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1855 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 8, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House