Mr. James William "Bill" Sharpe

Columbia – with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James William "Bill" Sharpe, 92, of Columbia, died on Friday, November 1st at the Agape Hospice House in Lexington SC following a short illness. Born January 7, 1932, in Columbia, he was the son of the late Robert Childs Sharpe and Josephine Miller Sharpe. He was married to the late Carolyn Berry Sharpe for 67 years. He was first and foremost a believer in Jesus Christ.

Bill loved his country. He was in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. He served in the front lines. He tells the story of not knowing why he wanted to get to the front line but once there he met the man who would later introduce him to his beloved Carolyn. He said he knew it was God's plan for he and Carolyn all along. They put God first and trusted in his plan for their life together. Bill and Carolyn married and moved to Mississippi where Bill worked for the Credit Bureau. Soon they realized they wanted to be close to their family and start their own family, so they returned to Columbia SC.

Bill started Standard Heating and Air Company in 1956 after taking over Sharpe Heating which his father started in 1936 in Five Points. Bill was a successful businessman who liked to help others learn the HVAC trade and even helped some start their own businesses. He grew his business by being good at what he did but also by being a fair and honest man. Bill taught his sons the HVAC trade and leaves behind a legacy that his son and grandson continue. Bill always gave the glory to God for all that was given to him. He put God first in all things, his love of the Lord is a monument to what God our Father can do. Bill served as a deacon for many years at North Trenholm Baptist Church. He was active in the Gideons and a philanthropist for many organizations. He was not only a parent, grandparent and friend but a confidant and advisor. He will be missed greatly. Words cannot express how much he meant to so many in his life.

Survivors include his children, Melissa Starnes, Tim (Rebecca) Sharpe, Kim Sharpe; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by his parents, his son, Robert Michael Sharpe, sisters Julia Baldwin, Betty Brazell and Bobbie Swindler.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, November 7th , at 10 am, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

You can share memories and condolences with the family at www.shivesfuneralhome.com . ​

Memorials may be given to Prisma Health Children's hospital – Midlands Camp Kemo center for Cancer and Blood disorders.