James Earl Sharp

James Earl Sharp was born near Groesbeck on February 20, 1884.  He was the son of Zackary Taylor and Alice A. Sanders Sharp, early settlers of Limestone County.  On January 9, 1907, he married Mary Olive Brodnax, the daughter of Thomas Whitaker and Missouri Lucinda Perkins Brodnax. She was born in the Honest Ridge Community on October 6, 1888.

James Earl and Mary Olive had four children. T. W. Brodnax Sharp was born on October 24, 1913 and died before his third birthday on August 27, 1916. 

Euleta Ruth was born on November 3, 1907 in Groesbeck.  She married Jack Ross Hawkins on January 29, 1931.  They had three children: Jack Wade, Martha Elizabeth, and Thomas Earl.  Euleta and Jack operated the Groesbeck Journal for many years.  Euleta Hawkins died August 25, 1987, and Jack Hawkins died on April 1, 1988.  Both are buried in Fort Parker Memorial Park.

Esther Earle “Bee” was born on September 26, 1910.  She married Zillmon Kitchens (1909-1980).  She died on April 11, 1988 in San Antonio, Texas.

Nanelle “Punk” was born on April 23, 1917.  She married David Edward Winters (1908-1983). She died in Groesbeck on September 4, 2007 and is buried in Waco Memorial Park.

James Earl and Mary Olive lived in the Shiloh community.  By 1940, had moved to McLennan County.  James Earl engaged in farming and road construction.  Mary Olive was a talented seamstress.  They were members of the Methodist Church.

James Earl died at his home in Waco on August 16, 1968.  Mary died in Groesbeck on March 20, 1988.  Both are buried in the Fort Parker Memorial Park.