Michael Barry Sharpe, 74, of Apopka, FL, passed away peacefully at LifeCare Center of Orlando on Monday, May 3, 2021 after living with dementia for the last several years.
Mike was born on May 10, 1946 in Lake City, TN to Carl W. “John” Sharpe and Thelma Parks Sharpe and had two brothers, John and Terry. Soon after graduating Lake City High School in 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. The following year, in 1966, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Treva Kirby. While stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL, Mike and Treva had one child, Carla.
After the military in 1971, Mike and his family moved to Florida where he began a life-long career in the telecommunications industry. Outside of work, Mike was an avid fly fisherman, loved sailing and canoeing, enjoyed playing bluegrass on his guitar and mandolin, as well as taking trips to the mountains or anywhere he could go fishing and appreciate nature. He also had a passion for photography and turned the hobby into a part-time career in the 1980s. With his engineering mindset and drive to problem-solve, Mike could fix, create or build almost anything, as well as beat anyone brave enough to challenge him at a game of Trivial Pursuit. After retiring from a 35+-year career with United Telecom (Sprint) as a Network Engineer, Mike continued his hobbies and loved spending time with family.
Mike was a true southern gentleman and will be lovingly remembered by his surviving family, including daughter Carla (Brad) Firlotte and grandchildren Lena and Liam. He is also survived by his younger brother, Terry, along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law and many long-time friends.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife and brother John.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at LifeCare Center of Orlando and Brookdale Lake Orienta for their care and compassion over the last five years.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the fall for all family and friends, followed by a burial service at a national cemetery for veterans for immediate family.