Phillip Ashley Sharman

Phillip Ashley “Ash” Sharman, 63, of Fairfax, VA lost his battle with cancer on December 16, 2024. He maintained his positive outlook, wit, and humor throughout the entire 20-month fight. Ash is survived by his wife Lauren, their three children Aubrey, Tate (Kat Baran), and Bret, his mother Adelle, and his siblings Kerry, Jack, and Clay. He is preceded in death by his father Phil and his brother Colin.

Ash was born on Christmas Eve 1960 in Bellflower, CA, the oldest child of James Phillip Sharman and Adelle Marie Grunder. He spent his childhood in Southern California, enjoying little league baseball and trips to Disneyland. At 12, his family moved to Falls Church, VA. There, Ash traded his baseball mitt for basketball sneakers, and his lifelong love—some might say obsession—with the sport began.

Ash graduated from Falls Church High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from the University of Virginia. An avid learner and gifted writer, he completed master’s degrees in Operations Research and Creative Writing from George Mason University. He worked his entire career with the same company, where he enjoyed international business trips in his earlier years and was a respected manager in later years.

Ash loved reading, writing, travel, music, and of course, basketball. He was a voracious reader with a penchant for the classics and Stephen King. Friends and family admired his impressive library and well-curated playlists. Ash was a regular on the basketball court, from his high school varsity days to his 40 and over “old man” league, and usually considered himself the best shooter on the floor.

As much as Ash loved basketball, his real love was his family. He met Lauren at an afterwork happy hour and often said that the best decision of his life was working up the courage to ask her out. Together they travelled widely and took every opportunity to hike, bike, and spend time with friends. Ash was a devoted father, who looked forward to coaching his sons’ basketball teams, attending his daughter’s ballet recitals, and cheering on all three at summer swim meets. He shared his love of music with his family, taking them to concerts, ranging from classic rock to funk. Ash loved nothing more than when he and Lauren spent time with all their kids.

Ash will be remembered and greatly missed by all that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society. A viewing will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax on Friday December 20 from 5-7 pm. A celebration of life service at Demaine Funeral Home will follow on Saturday, December 21 at 11am.