Don Ray Sharp

Don Ray (Donny) Sharp, entered the presence of His Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of June 10, 2026, following serious complications during gallbladder removal surgery. Donny was born October 5, 1947, to Dr. Terrill Sharp and DeLores Guinn Sharp in Gorman, Texas. He and his 5 siblings grew up in DeLeon, a small town with a strong community. In his 1st grade class, his future bride-to-be sat just three desks in front of him, and the majority of the couple’s graduating class attended grades K-12 alongside them. Among this group of friends, Don Ray was known for his good nature, loyalty, and occasional tomfoolery. His infamous mischief ranged from cheating in a watermelon seed spitting contest to walking a skunk on a leash through downtown in the annual Pet Parade. Until the day he died, he had the ability to make anyone smile with his antics.

Donny lettered in 3 sports. During his senior year at DeLeon High School, he played quarterback for a team of boys that had played together since 6th grade. The school records they set that year have yet to be broken. He was voted “Most Athletic” before heading off to Baylor University in 1966, intending to become a coach.

Although Donny’s idea of a good date had been popping some corn, grabbing his girl and a .22 and setting out to shoot frogs, his high school sweetheart agreed to marry him. On August 31, 1968, Don Ray wed Peggy Dianne Boen. The couple would go on to have two cherished children. Peggy would also go on to, against her will, accompany Donny on countless fishing and hunting trips with both a book and a radio (to tune into the Ranger game) in tow.

In 1971 Donny graduated from Baylor University with a BAS in Physical Education, however his career path shifted from coach to the Armed Forces after Uncle Sam said, "I want you," and selected him 24th in the lottery draft. Leaving Waco, he headed to Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. From 1971-1972 Donny trained to be a Navigator at Mather Air Force Base in California. It was there that his daughter, Stephanie Dianne, was born. After the completion of training, officers were assigned to a plane. Donny was assigned to fighters, specifically the F-4 Phantom. At MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida he attended Fighter Replacement Training from 1972-1973, after which he was sent to Thailand as a member of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) known as the “Black Widows.” He returned home from the war zone early after losing his youngest brother, Bret Grady, in a car accident. While commissioned to serve in the 53rd TFS, stationed in West Germany at the Bitburg Air Force Base, Peggy and Donny had their second child - a son they named Bret Clinton. After three years in Germany, Donny returned stateside in 1977 having been assigned to the 334th TFS at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.

In 1982 Donny transitioned to flying for the Air Force Reserves. In addition to his duties with the reserves, he also accepted a role at General Dynamics in 1983 where he put his 2000+ flight hours in the F-4 to use on the ground. When the plane went to the boneyard in 1990 Donny left General Dynamics and became a full-time reservist stationed at NASJRB (formerly Carswell Air Force Base) in Fort Worth, Texas. From 1990-2004 he served there with the 301st as a Quality Officer and the 10th Air Force as a Communication and Information Systems Specialist. During these years he built lifelong friendships with Raymond Henley, commander of the 301st, and his right-hand man Mike Masters.

In 2004 Don retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel after 34 years of service. Although he had been presented with the opportunity to promote to colonel, he opted to remain in Texas, retire, and take a job as the warehouse manager at AFISCO so that he could move more fully into the role of “Papaw.”

As “Papaw”, Don put his coaching hat back on. His grandchildren will attest that he taught them so much of what they each know today. Although true, it seems like a trite understatement to simply say that he loved, spent so much time playing with, and put countless miles on his white F-150 Lariats traveling to games/activities for his grands and greats. Papaw was so much more than that. He could make anyone feel special and loved. There are so many, young and old alike, that would claim him as an honorary Papaw.

Donny’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, and antagonizing. He couldn’t do the first 3 without the 4th which meant he always preferred the company of family or friends so that he could enjoy being the mischievous kid at heart that he was.

Don Ray wore a great many hats throughout his lifetime, some detailed above others not, but he wore every one of them well.

Don Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Terrill Anthony and Bret Grady. He is survived by his aforementioned bride, Peggy Boen, and their children, Stephanie (Mike) Holland and Bret (Laurie) Sharp. As well as his siblings, Sandra (Bob) Carey, Boyd (Karen) Sharp, Judy (JT) Garrett as well as sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Tony).

Papaw’s Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren include Austin and Rhett Holland (Case, Briggs, Josie), Avery and Alex Clark (Bentley Ray, Camille), Zachary, Aubrey Don and Layne Holland (Wesley), Addison and Andrew Rickman (Married 6.26.26), Morgan Sharp, Makinze Sharp, and Carson Sharp.

As his pastor reminded the congregation just a few days before his passing, every additional day of life is mercy calling us to repent and bear fruit. Donny used each day to love his God, family and country faithfully. Don Ray will be greatly missed by those of us that He has left behind, until we one day join him in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage those mourning Don's passing to donate to Riverbend Retreat Center or Tate Springs Baptist Church in his memory.

Services will be held at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington Texas on July 6, 2026, at 11:00am. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00am and a Graveside will follow the service at 1:15pm at Dallas National Cemetery. Reception to follow.