Ronald Charles Sharpe

Ronald Charles Sharpe was born August 3, 1935, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He attended Atlantic City public schools, graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1954 and later enlisted in the United States Air Force.

While in the Air Force serving as a jet aircraft mechanic, Ronald was stationed in Lake Charles, Louisiana where he met his wife Joyce L. Thomas. His fellow airman and friend Elmer Woodfolk (Woody) and wife Maureen introduced Ronald to Joyce. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ronald and Joyce were married in Lake Charles and later moved to Washington DC, where Ronald pursued a career in art and design.

Ronald developed and refined his natural artistic talent by completing a variety of art courses, including a full course of studies in advertising art at the National Art Academy in Washington DC. While studying, Ronald worked as a security guard at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). Ronald’s hard work paid off when he was selected as an apprentice in the BEP’s Office of Design and Engraving. He completed the apprenticeship and became the first African-American Banknote Designer at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. During his 31-year career at BEP, Ronald modeled banknotes including government bonds, U.S. Treasury checks, numerous stamps and designed the Windmills stamp series issued in 1980.

In 1994, Ronald retired after serving in the federal government for 35 years. He moved his family to be near his dear friend Woody who resided in League City, Texas where Ronald lived until passing away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 10, 2019.

Ronald lived a rich and rewarding life. In addition to his love for art, he enjoyed traveling, deep sea fishing, photography, classic jazz and gardening. He was a vibrant soul and enjoyed spending time with his loving family and friends. Ronald will be missed.

Ronald is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Sharpe, father Wesley Jay, and his aunt, Hilda Jones. He is survived by his brother Elwood Sharpe of Hattiesburg, MS, his loving wife of over 60 years, Joyce L. Sharpe, League City, TX, his two children Monique Sharpe, Washington, DC, and Ronald W. Sharpe, Upper Marlboro, MD, four grandchildren, Courtney Sharpe, Boston, MA, Simone and Joy N. Sharpe of League City, TX, Weston Robert, Washington, DC, one great grandchild, Isaiah Sharpe and a host of loving relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Ronald’s name to DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative (http://dccollaborative.org/).