88R19505 BPG-D
By: Hughes S.R. No. 365
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Tyler are mourning the loss of
Dr. Aubrey Sharpe, an esteemed civic leader and a friend to many,
who passed away on March 13, 2023, at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, The son of William Gibson Sharp and Ila Mae Sharp,
Aubrey Sharpe was born in Miami, Florida, on October 4, 1944, and
grew up with a sister, Patricia, and a brother, William; he
graduated from East Texas Baptist University and went on to
complete his doctoral degree at the University of North Texas; in
1989, he joined the administration of Tyler Junior College; he
served as executive dean of the Regional Training and Development
Complex and as dean of the School of Continuing Studies, and he
played a key role in launching both; in addition, he was
instrumental in the creation of the Tyler Area Business Incubator
through a consortium that involved the City of Tyler and the Tyler
Economic Development Council; dedicated to workforce development,
he collaborated effectively with local employers and business
experts to design training courses and programs, and he facilitated
a partnership with the Service Corps of Retired Executives; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sharpe served as chair of the Tyler Area Chamber
of Commerce and shared his expertise in several roles with the Tyler
Economic Development Council; in addition, he served on Tyler's
Civil Service Commission and the Historic Preservation Board, and
he worked on planning and zoning issues; he gave generously of his
time and talents to a number of worthy philanthropies, among them
Meals on Wheels East Texas; over the years, he served the United Way
of Smith County in numerous capacities, including as chair and as
campaign chair, and he was the organization's development officer
at the time of his passing; and
WHEREAS, A dapper gentleman with an outgoing, observant
nature, Dr. Sharpe was known to many as the "Man About Town"
columnist for BScene and Tyler Today magazines, and his optimism
and sense of humor brightened the days of all he encountered; and
WHEREAS, Aubrey Sharpe is deeply missed by those he left
behind, but they will treasure their memories of his warmth and
kindness, and his contributions to Tyler will continue to resonate
in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Aubrey Sharpe and extend
sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Linda
Sharpe; to his brother, William Sharpe Jr.; to his nephews and
nieces, Michael Sharpe, David Sharpe, Dean Furrer, Ronnie
Sharpe Jr., Rebecca Furrer, Heather Baker, and Michelle Sharpe; and
to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Dr. Aubrey Sharpe.