John Edward Sharpless, 77, a native of Atmore and a resident of Fairhope for the past nine years, passed away Nov. 12, 2014.

Johnny was a graduate of ECHS in Atmore and Pensacola Junior College.

He was owner of Direct Carpets in Mobile and The Decorating Center in Atmore. After retirement, he became an avid genealogist.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John C. Sharpless and Lala Holley Sharpless; and his siblings, Jewel Grace S. Godwin, Geraldine S. Findley, Roy C. Sharpless and Maxine Bell.

Mr. Sharpless is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Weaver Sharpless and their daughter, Holley S. Richter; son-in-law, Dan L. Richter; granddaughters, Danielle Honey Richter and Megan Audrey Richter; his dear sister, Ellafair S. Cotter; eight nieces and two nephews.

A private Celebration of Life in memory of Johnny will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Atmore. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Debora Bishop. Interment will be at the Serenity Gardens in Atmore.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.