Mr. Robert McKinlock Sharp

Robert McKinlock Sharp, 79, of Asheville died on Thursday, June 17, 2010, which was also his birthday, at the John F. Keever Solace Center. A native of Saint Louis, MO, he was the son of the late McKinlock and Elvira Dietz Sharp. Bob graduated with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech and went to work at the Humble (Exxon) refinery in Baytown, Texas. His 28 year career with Exxon started in the engineering area—where he developed some key oil refining patents. His career progression led eventually to marketing and supply coordination management positions in Exxon International allowing travel to overseas locations—such as Europe, Venezuela and living in Japan. While on assignment in Japan, he developed a real love for Japanese art, culture, gardens, and people. His last assignment prior to retiring was Marine Sales Manager to U.S. based shipping companies. He also spent one year as a loaned executive to United Way. While pursuing his education and career, he also enjoyed and excelled in sports. During college, he was a member of the ATO fraternity and played basketball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as a freshman. He also pitched fast pitch softball semi-professionally during his graduate school years and early in his engineering career. Later, he took an avid interest in tennis. While his family lived in New Canaan, CT Bob assisted with photography of several Walter Schalk dance productions, played his beloved tennis at Mead Park and was an active member of the Stamford CT Camera Club. Subsequent to retiring from Exxon International, Bob pursued several entrepreneurial ventures while living in Greenwich, CT. Bob and his wife, Diane, relocated to Asheville, NC in 2002, where he has pursued his interests in tennis, and photography, and devotedly supported his wife’s athletic pursuits in triathlon. He was an active member of the Asheville Symphony Guild, Asheville Racquet Club and a Board Member of First Church Christ Scientist in Asheville, NC and Greenwich, CT. His survivors include his wife, Diane; three children, Jan Fenner and her husband Peter, Steven Sharp and his wife, Jo Peterson and Jill Brinson and her husband, Rob and one granddaughter, Peyton Fenner all of Atlanta, GA. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held 6:30 PM, Friday, June 25, 2010 at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to any of the following: Care Partners Hospice Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813; First Church of Christ Scientist of Asheville, 64 North French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801; or sponsorship of Mrs. Sharp or her twin sister (Suzanne Williamson) in an upcoming fundraiser. Mrs. Sharp and her sister will participate with Bayview Swimming Team to raise funds for Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Your tax deductible contribution can be made at www.SwimAcrossAmerica.org by pledging to an individual swimmer or by mail to Swim Across America, Attn: Moira, 16 Willow Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21286. Please include the swimmer’s name on your check. Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mr. Robert McKinlock Sharp

June 17, 1931 - June 17, 2010