Pastor E.L. Sharp went to be with Lord in the early morning hours of February 20. He was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi on July 10, 1934, to the late Andrew Peyton and Ila Cora Sharp. Bro. Sharp served in the United States Air Force. After he left the USAF in 1956, he married Doris Darlene Vercher.
Bro. Sharp was a contractor for many years until he surrendered to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since 1984, he has been the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Vicksburg, MS. During that time, he would preach across the south and many other parts of the country as an evangelist. He was known and loved throughout the country and devoted his life to the Gospel ministry. He spent many weeks a year preaching revivals, camp meetings and conferences. Preaching the uncompromised word of God was his calling and his life. Many times, he would be seen preaching with his bible lifted and shoes removed in his distinctive way.
Bro. Sharp was a Christian gentleman with the biggest heart. He was always thoughtful of others. He has been known to say, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” His magnetic personality and deep love drew people to him. They loved him because he would share the love of Christ with them. Countless souls came to know Christ through his preaching and witnessing. He loved the lost; he loved the church; and he loved preachers as is noted by his hundreds and hundreds of friends across the country.
Bro. E.L. Sharp captivated the hearts of young and old alike. He was an individual who cultivated friendships with all he met. He was a candid family man. To know him was to know he was committed to Christ. Bro. Sharp’s compassion was often found in places where others found no room. His life was that of strong conviction yet would show much mercy to the downtrodden. An air of comfort could always be found in his presence, which on this day makes his absence all the more palpable.
Dr. E.L. Sharp was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Doris Sharp, his brothers, Excel and Ardell, and his sisters, Allie, Ruby, Clara and Boots.
He is survived by his loving and doting wife, Judy Sharp, his children, Charlie Sharp and wife Susie of Philadelphia, MS; Dr. Mike Sharp of Vicksburg, MS; Tawanna Crocker and husband Johnny of Utica, MS; step children, Jennifer Richardson and husband Curt of Brownsville TN; Dustin Cook and wife Meagan of McDonough, GA and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
“I’m glad I’m saved under grace and not grease. I don’t go sliding in and out of salvation.” – Bro. Sharp
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Lighthouse Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Glenwood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Richard Brumfield, Johnny Sanders, Charlie Stamey, Chris Ables, Jimmy Combs, Sammy Stokes, Tommy Stokes and Martin Shows.