Marshall L. Sharp

Marshall L. Sharp was born on September 28, 1939, in Leachville, Arkansas, to Walter and Jewell Sharp, and passed away on March 10, 2026. He grew up in Leachville and attended Arkansas State College before marrying the love of his life, Nelva Jean Barrett, on February 14, 1960. Together they shared 66 devoted years. He is survived by his wife Nelva Jean Barrett Sharp, their three children Michele Collins (Mike), Tammy Carter (Steve), and Michael Sharp (Kim), seven grandchildren Chad Collins (Tiffany), Christopher Collins (Zoe), Cameron Collins (Logan), Brennan Carter (Julia), Ashley Rae Carter (Jake), Nicholas Sharp (Claire), and Natalie Sharp (Koby), and two great-grandchildren, Banks Collins and Crew Collins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bobby D. Sharp.

After serving in the United States Army Reserve from 1960 to 1965, Marshall moved to Memphis and built a long career in finance and insurance sales. He retired from American National in 2005 after more than 25 years of dedicated service to his clients. In his later years he devoted himself to his family, rarely missing a grandchild’s sporting event, playing golf whenever possible, enjoying games of cards and checkers, and following basketball—especially the University of Memphis and his beloved local high school, FACS. He also took pleasure in riding motorcycles with the Honda Gold Wing Club in earlier years and remained an active member of Bartlett Woods Church of Christ in Arlington, Tennessee.

Known to many as Poppy, Marshall had a warmth that drew people in. He never met a stranger, lived life fully, and could light up any room with his jokes and playful tricks. Above all, he was a devoted family man who cherished time spent playing games with his grandchildren and friends. His larger-than-life presence and genuine love for others will be deeply missed by all who knew him.