Billy Ray Sharpe

Billy Ray Sharpe, age 86, of Somerset, KY, formerly of Wheeling, IL, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2023. He was born May 29, 1937 to Lela (Haysletta) Sharpe and John Sharpe in Harlan, KY,

He is survived by his daughters, Billie Rae Addeo (Joe) of Las Vegas, NV. Debbie Prill (Jim) of Zion, IL, Pamela (Matt) McCutcheon of Fox Lake, IL and Denise Gretz of Somerset, KY, his 10 Grand children, Shawn Brennan, (Jamie) Cody Bahr, Christopher Brennan, Thomas Duebner (Mia) Austin Gretz, Ryan Gretz, Amanda Gretz, Brian Addeo, Carmine Addeo, Preston Addeo and Felicia Addeo, his Great-grand children Mackenzie, Angelo, Angelina, Madison, Sophia and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by our mother and his soul mate, Arvilla Sharpe, his parents and siblings, sisters Evette and Ruthann and brothers Birchel, Paul, JC, Bobby and Lawrence.

He committed his career to law enforcement and is a retired Police Officer in Wheeling, IL, 1970 -1991 and was a Community Service officer and part-time Police Officer in Grayslake, IL, 1998 -2003, a Somerset Police Safety Officer in Somerset, KY 2004- 2017 which he reluctantly retired at the age of 80 years old. He loved serving his community where-ever he lived. 

He was honored to be appointed a Somerset Colonel on his 80th birthday by Mayor Eddie R. Girdler of  Somerset, KY on May 29, 2017. And then a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky, Matthew Bevin, on July 4, 2017.

He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying a Cessna airplane with his brother in law, Richard Henson.

As a musician and lover of music he enjoyed playing live and recorded an album at 21 years old with his band, Billy Sharpe and his Sharpe Tones which included hits “Hippity Hop” and “Stars in My Eyes”. Above all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them playing dice games like Farkle, and cards on the weekends. He won a Royal Flush at a Texas Hold’ em Card game. The biggest win of his card games! His favorite desserts were pineapple upside down cake and banana pudding.

He will always be remembered for his wise counsel, unconditional love and sense of humor. He was fond of saying, “ Bill Sharpe...don’t let the name fool you”.

There will be a visitation held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home at 5:00 PM. The funeral service will be held Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Dr. Curtis Sellers officiating. 

The family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hospice of Lake Cumberland.

Pulaski Funeral Home is Honored to assist the family with all arrangements.