The Lee University Chairman of the Board, Gary Sharp, died on Tuesday, June 28 following a short illness. Mr. Sharp served on the university’s governing body for 22 years, serving as Chairman from 2010 until his death. He was 69 years old.

“We are stunned and heartbroken by Gary’s passing,” said President Paul Conn. “He made a powerful impact on the university at every level: as a student, as a supportive alum, and as the leader of our Board. We have lost a wonderful friend.”

Originally from Stinking Creek, Tennessee, Sharp attended Lee in the 1960’s, where he met his wife Joyce. He briefly coached high-school basketball in Rutherford County before joining Shoney’s, Inc., in 1969, beginning a 27-year career with that company in restaurant management. After rising to corporate Vice President at Shoney’s, he launched his own company which eventually grew to manage more than 200 restaurants. After his semi-retirement, the Sharps moved to Cleveland to live near his parents, the late Joe and Mae Sharp.

Sharp was honored as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by his alma mater in 1993. In 2015, he was named to the Lee Athletics Hall of Fame. Sharp Hall, a women’s dormitory, was named in honor of his parents in 1990.

“Gary was a rare individual who achieved great success and remained closely connected and enthusiastically loyal to his family and friends, and to his alma mater. Conn said. “For 50 years Lee University has enjoyed Gary’s love and support. The loss of his leadership and friendship is incalculable.”

A memorial service was held in his honor on Friday, July 1, in the Lee University Chapel.