John Edward Sharp, Jr.

John Edward Sharp, Jr. (Ed), 85, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Friday, August 14, 2020. Ed was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in June of 2019.

Born on December 27, 1934, Ed grew up in Gadsden, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn University in 1957. He worked his entire professional career as an electrical engineer for TVA. Ed and his family moved to Cleveland in 1967.

Ed was an active member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He served his church in many capacities, including being an elder and clerk of the Session, and chairing several committees. He also taught both children and adult classes for decades, as well as participated in Bible Studies and various other activities.

Following his retirement, Ed maintained his involvement with TVA through leadership roles in TVA’s Retirees Association, volunteering in the visitor center and providing technical tours of TVA’s Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage plant. Also, during retirement, Ed tutored adult students studying for their high school equivalency exams. He was an active volunteer in Cumberlands Care, an outreach ministry to Cleveland’s homeless population.

Ed had a passion for vegetable gardening. He planted and tended the garden in his yard every year. He also developed a community garden in downtown Cleveland. An avid walker, Ed was a a regular on the Greenway in Cleveland. Ed also enjoyed traveling and took annual trips with each of his adult children for the past decade.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Joyce Clayton Sharp; brother Knox Sharp, and sister, Mary Ella Sharp. Surviving are brother Sidney Sharp (Carol); daughter Jennifer Sharp Seinfeld and son-in-law Marc Seinfeld; son John Edward Sharp, III; and grandsons: Matthew Seinfeld and Jason Seinfeld.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will only be a private graveside service with the Rev Jen Newell officiating.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Association and to Kindred Hospice .

If you would like to make a donation in Ed’s memory (in lieu of flowers), please consider Cumberlands Care (First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 694, Cleveland, TN 37364), or the ALS Association (https://donate.als.org/give/287064/#!/donation/checkout).

You are invited to share a personal memory of Ed or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.