By Ralphine Major

ralphine3@yahoo.com

He is well known around Harbison’s Crossroads.  On January 12, 2021, the longtime Corryton resident turned 99 years old!  Clayton Sharp has lived through much during his 99 years and can now add the COVID-19 pandemic to the list.  He celebrated with family and friends at home for the big day.  Ninety-nine years!  Amazing!

The WWII Veteran has appeared in The Focus many times with his late wife, Betty Loy Sharp, who taught at Gibbs Elementary.

Betty and Clayton were active in the Gibbs Ruritan Club and Clapp’s Chapel United Methodist Church where Clayton helped start Boy Scout Troop 500.

For many years, Clayton demonstrated blacksmithing at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris.  Clayton and Betty were blessed with sons Rancy (Debbie) and Monty and four grandsons.

The Sharps have been blessings to others over the years as they volunteered in many areas throughout the Gibbs Community and beyond.

I asked Clayton what his secret was to living such a long life.  He chuckled and said, “I guess it’s a gift of the good Lord.”  I am sure Focus readers join me in wishing Clayton a wonderful year as he heads toward No. 100!

Be blessed by Clayton’s favorite scripture in this week’s Words of Faith from Psalm 23: 1-6 (KJV):

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”