Grady “Buddy” Sharp went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on February 27, 2022. He was born on September 29, 1937, to Henry and Thelma Sharp in Gorman, Texas, but lived most of his childhood in Pampa, Texas.
Buddy played football, basketball, and baseball for the Pampa Harvesters. He played for the legendary basketball coach, Clifton McNeely, and was on the 1954 state championship team and the 1955 state semi-finalist team. Buddy started at quarterback for the Harvesters for three years and played in what was called “the little SWC” district. After graduating from Pampa High School in 1956, Buddy went to Baylor on a football scholarship. A knee injury ended his career and he transferred to West Texas State University where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Health and Physical Education and a minor in English. Buddy married Shirley Weatherly on February 15, 1964.
Buddy was a coach/teacher in the Texas school system for 35 years. He began his career in 1966 in Olton, Texas. He became the head football coach in 1972 in Sunray, Texas eventually coaching in Dalhart, De Leon, Clarendon, Cisco, Morton, and Reserve, NM. Buddy’s football teams played great defense and won many games. His track teams won over 50 track meets and several regional meets. He coached state champions, a state record holder and many state qualifiers. Buddy cherished every minute of playing and coaching Texas high school football. It was his promise land. He impacted many students and coaches including his two sons.
Although coaching was Buddy’s life, so were his family and friends. He enjoyed the family’s summer vacations in Colorado and loved spending his free time playing golf with his buddies. He also loved going to the horse races. He so enjoyed when the boys would come to town with friends so he could hang out with them. In their later years, Buddy and Shirley enjoyed doting on their grandkids and going on cruises around the world.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother; son, Trigg Hamilton Sharp; and daughter, Elizabeth Anne Sharp. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Edna Tarpley and Henri Lou Pipes, two sons, Trent Sharp and wife Shannon; Clay Sharp and wife Jennifer; five grandchildren - Jackson, Cade, Caroline, Canon and Landon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service celebrating Buddy’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at First Baptist Church of De Leon with guest Pastor, Al Martin, officiating. Interment immediately following in De Leon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church, 125 S. Houston St, De Leon, TX 76444, in honor of Buddy.
Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.
