Leslie Charles (Chip) Sharp, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and a caring and generous friend to a multitude of people who he lived life with fully. Chip was born on November 27, 1955, in Shreveport, LA. to the late Elden and Patricia Sharp. Chip grew up in Jacksonville, FL, graduating from Terry Parker High School in 1973. As a youngster he could often be found on the Justina Baseball and Rebel Football fields where he was a tough-nosed catcher and running back. Later in life, his athleticism translated well to the golf course and pickleball courts.
Chip was a proud graduate of The Citadel Class of ’77, where he was a member of Charlie Company, as well as The Century Club…a distinguished honor bestowed upon cadets who walked over 100 tours! Chip loved keeping up with his fellow Citadel Bulldog buddies, sharing many adventures with them year after year. Chip had a brilliant mind and a curious and lively spirit. He was an avid, voracious reader of history, philosophy, science, astronomy, politics and most importantly, The Bible! Chip was a very talented computer programmer, working for Gottlieb for almost 25 years from 1989 through 2013.
Most of all, Chip was known for his generosity, kindness, love of adventure, candor, his servant’s heart and sense of humor. He didn’t just read his bible out loud every morning; he went out into the world and put his faith in Jesus into action. Chip lived most of his adult life at Colonial Point Condominiums where he constantly looked after the needs of others. Chip loved to travel the world. Whether it was driving cross country with his dad, crossing the Atlantic on a merchant ship with his buddy John, sailing on the St. Johns River and the Sea of Galilee, snorkeling in the Caymans with his nephews, riding the Waverunner on Lake Norman with his brother Mike, or camping along a river and listening to great music with his many friends, Chip loved being in and around the water. But regardless of where he was, Chip was most happy when simply sitting around a fire sharing life, faith, thoughts, ideas, stories and memories with family and friends.
Chip is survived by his brother Mike Sharp, his sister-in-law Teresa Sharp, his two nephews David & Nathan Sharp (all from North Carolina) …and many, many dear friends and campers across the country who loved, admired, and included him in their “family.” Chip’s family and friends will be hosting a celebration of his life on Saturday, February 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL where everyone can gather around a fire together at one of Chip’s favorite spots on the planet and share some memories, music, refreshments, and truths together. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations you would like to make in Chip’s honor to Alcoholics Anonymous-Arlington Group, 1561 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211….and/or bring a donation to Chip’s Memorial Service to help fund a commemorative bench his family and friends are planning to build at Suwannee Music Park.