By Olivia Murray
STAR CITY — Friends and family said goodbye to a dedicated community member Thursday.
Allen Roger Sharp Jr., former Star City mayor, died July 10 at his home.
He was 77.
“[Sharp] was a great father and husband,” said current Star City Mayor Herman Reid. “[He] will be sorely missed by many.”
Sharp was first recorder for the town of Star City before becoming a member of the town’s city council. He was elected several times to serve the town as its mayor from 2001-2015.
Reid won the election, ousting Sharp in 2015, but said he had great admiration and respect for Sharp.
“Allen was dedicated to the town of Star City,” Reid said. During his term as mayor, Sharp was “instrumental in association with the John F. Kennedy memorial at the Star City park.”
Councilor Todd Gregg worked alongside Sharp for many years. He said Sharp is very much a part of the town’s history.
“I was elected to council along with Allen in 1991 and had the pleasure of serving with him for two terms,” Gregg said. “Allen was a visionary for the town of Star City.
“He was always wanting to make the town better in present, but in his mind he was always planning to make the town better in the future.
“Allen had goals for the town and I have to say, under his leadership as mayor he accomplished many of his goals.”
Councilor Sharon Doyle knew Sharp long before she served on town council with him.
“I have known Allen since I was a young girl, he even catered my wedding,” Doyle said. “I am forever grateful to have had him at the start and through the majority of my years in Star City government. I learned a lot from him and Allen truly cared about Star City and our residents. His dedication of service as councilman, recorder and mayor resulted in many opportunities that continue in the town.”
Sharp was a longtime grocery store manager and caterer.
Sharp was also a member and former president of the Morgantown North Rotary Club. He was also a member of Suncrest United Methodist Church.
“Allen was a very valued member of our club,” said Rotary member Rebecca Hunn. “He was one of those people who always got the work done in a quiet, thoughtful and efficient manner. When Morgantown North Rotary assumed a major role in the community build of Tugboat Depot playground, it was because Allen was mayor at the time and we knew the coordination and support would be there. We couldn’t have done it without him.
“And his expertise and background in catering was a huge help when the club served the needy at a food kitchen. Allen could easily take over a kitchen and prepare large quantities. He will be very much missed.”
Sharp was preceded in death by his wife Olga L. (Bender) Sharp. His three children survive him, as do several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donations were requested to WVU Cancer Center: give.wvu.edu/wvucancerinstitute or Rotary Club International at rotary.org/en/donate.
Tweet @DominionPostWV
