SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 365
In Memory
of
Aubrey Sharpe
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 State of Texas, 88th
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.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 29, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate