Raymon Dereed Sharp

Raymon Dereed Sharp was born on October 10, 1926 in Quay, New Mexico. He left the lease here in Midland, TX on January 11, 2011. Ray is survived by his wife of twenty years, Libby M. Harpole Sharp of Midland, TX. He is also survived by his children Paris & Estela Sharp of Midland, TX, Newt & Vicki Sharp of Joplin, MO, Frank & Mary Starr Schaffer of Grove, OK, Anne Sharp of Joplin, MO and Sarah Sharp of Springfield, MO and a host of Grandchildren: Jake and Hallie Sharp, Paris Paul Sharp II, Lauren Sharp, Cory Sharp, Taylor Sharp, Tucker Sharp, Rose Smith, Sarah Anne and Jared Lesh, Robbi Parrish, Emily Saxton Doss and Suzanne Kissie Collinsworth and his Great Grandchildren Keelin, Amarah, Vade Anne, Brock and Gunnar. Always a lover of his dogs, he is also survived by his four legged companion Coffee Con Crema de Tejas.Ray was preceded in death by his wife Suzanne Childress Sharp on March 13, 1986 and his mother Effie Greer Sharp on May 14, 2001. Ray was a graduate of the Class of 44, Joplin High School and attended the University of Houston.Ray grew up on a ranch in Quay Valley and loved to tell many stories of his family and life there. He served his country proudly with the 82nd airborne division in the European theatre during WWII. He was a wonderful Husband, proud Father, Grand & Great-Grand Father. He was a hard working Oilman managing many companies over the years and was a co-founder of Big Star Oil & Gas in Midland, Texas. Always busy, Ray was a tireless rancher, a fearless miner & telephone pole lineman, long time member of the CAF and the best friend you could ever have. He loved making "beads" for all his girlfriends and could shell the prettiest pecans that he proudly grew and shared with friends. An avid puzzle solver, Ray always kept his hands busy and his shop hopping either to complete work around the lease, complete a project or to build a train set. Ray and Bud's "morning meetings" in his shop are legendary and solved many of the world's problems.Ray accomplished more in the last 25 years, than most folks will in a lifetime. He feared nothing. Ray survived world war, oil boom and bust, car wrecks, mine explosions, bar fights, fast cars, wild horses and cows and more nights out dancing than any of us will ever be able to remember. We were proud to call him husband, father, grandpa and best-friend. He taught us to love deep, to forgive most and to work our tails off and to do it with humor. He will be missed for his wisdom, his laughter and his straightforward speech. We will all miss him very much, and as Ray would say, "see you directly"!A celebration of life service is planned for Thursday January 13, 2011 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel at 10:00 am. Western attire appropriate.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,