David and I struck up a friendship about five years ago when I joined GCN. He could become animated whenever certain Bible topics came up—especially miracles and the end times.

When he shared his life story, I remember him smiling, shaking his head, and saying something like, “Ron, you have no idea,” before talking about his family, career, travels, the friends he made along the way, and, of course, the physical pain and surgeries he endured.

Later, I became one of “the Dave Sharp 5,” the group he invited to lunch once a month at IHOP. David would pray over our food and for our families, and then we’d eat while discussing the latest news, health challenges, and whatever was happening in our vegetable gardens. Quite often, David would tell us about another amazing, Spirit-filled conversation he had with a stranger who approached him at the Montgomery Village shopping center.

Dave had been passionate about a project that would have compiled all his recipes into a video series.

A few months ago, I remember walking out of the Montgomery Village Subway with him when he asked me to set up his iPhone and earpiece so he could listen to an old song by Mike and the Mechanics—“All I Need Is a Miracle.” I left him that afternoon laughing, with a big smile on his face.

I have no doubt that when Dave’s faith became sight, he was immediately in the presence of our Lord. And I look forward to the day when I’ll see David standing on both legs, using two strong hands to prepare a meal from one of his recipes. He’ll shake his head, look at me, smile, and say, “Ron, you have no idea.”

Until then, I’m going to miss my friend.

David and I met around 2015. At that time, my brother and I (and another friend and partner) operated a business in the building next door to his Montgomery Village residence. I used to see him outside from time to time in his wheelchair, especially when the weather was sunny and warm. He loved to be outside during those times. The first few encounters, he would give that big, David Sharp friendly smile with an equally warm greeting. I wondered, "Who was this friendly guy?" After seeing him several times, I couldn't help but stop and introduce myself. Unsurprisingly, we became fast friends from that point on......which I thoroughly enjoyed for more than a decade.

David and I would meet every few months or so for lunch. He loved Mission Barbeque as well as Lido's Pizza, so we frequented these spots. The conversations we had covered the gamut. Politics, religion, sports, business, cooking and family, who he clearly cherished. He often spoke lovingly of his grandchildren. I always found David to be so interesting. He was smart, curious, funny and, of course, friendly and warm. He almost always had that larger-than-life smile on his face and was one those rare people who were always happy to see you (even if maybe he wasn't!). Stated differently, he made you feel like you had interesting things to say, and he wanted to hear them all. Yes, he was one of those few people who knew the art and power of being an effective listener.

I always admired David for his strength, courage and for the enormous suffering he endured throughout his life. Yet, I never heard him complain. He was always "doing fine". It's a unique person who consistently possesses this glass-half-full outlook on life, especially considering the obstacles he faced on a daily basis.

I know David's Christian faith was very important to him. No doubt, he is in Heaven and is comfortably smiling down on us all. David, I will miss you, my friend. I thank you for your friendship and for enriching my life. Rest in peace. Until we meet again..........

Ken Lovett