O.C. Sharman

O.C. Sharman, 94, passed peacefully on Easter Sunday morning, April 20, 2025, at his home.

He was born in the small community of Circle Back on the high plains of west Texas. O.C. (yes, that is his real name, not initials) grew up between there and Olney, another small town in north central Texas. He was the only child of Gordon Owen Sharman and Grace Truman English Sharman.

O.C. graduated Olney High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. He also did graduate work at the University of North Texas.

A four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Navy interrupted his time at Baylor. However, during that time he met the love of his life on a blind date, Mildred Sale of Amherst, Virginia. They married March 5, 1954, in Amherst.

After discharge from the Navy, he and Mildred (Mikey) returned to Texas where he finished his degree and started a decades long career in elementary education. In 1979, he and Mikey moved back to Virginia to be closer to her family. He retired from teaching and then worked for the USPS as a rural mail carrier for thirteen years.

O.C. was a founding member of Pedlar Fire and Rescue. He was also a long-time member of Midway Baptist Church, serving as both a deacon and a Sunday school teacher.

He is survived by his four children, Jan Simmons (Rodney), Sharon Tinsley (Marvin), Owen (Rick) and Gay Payne (Todd). Known as "Big Daddy" to his eight grandchildren, Gabe Simmons, Brad Simmons, Dane Simmons, Clay Tinsley, Sara Tinsley McKellop, Marshall Tinsley, Ben Payne and Matt Payne, as well as ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Sale Parr, Jackie Sale and Geneva Sale Watts (Bud).

The family wishes to thank his Centra Hospice Team, Brooke, Roberta, Patty and Sheri, for their loving care and support.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Midway Baptist Church. Interment will be at El Bethel Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Midway Baptist Church, 4695 Lexington Turnpike, Amherst, Virginia 24521

Tharp Funeral Home, Madison Heights is assisting the family.