Mr. Clevern "Cleve" Sharpe Jr

Cleve, 87, of Gainesville, Florida is survived by his loving children: Debra King (Eugene) - FL; Tami McKinnon (Eric) - NJ; Leslie Sharpe Chestnut – NC; and Cevonte’ Jackson (Elaine) - FL; his four Grandchildren: Ebony Moore; Ronald McKinnon; Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut; and Tai McKinnon; Brothers-in-Law: Michael Cliffin; and Brian Cliffin; and a host of great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family. Cleve was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara Cliffin Sharpe; his parents, Clevern Sharpe, Sr. and Willie Mae Plummer Sharpe Butler; and his Brother Obie Sharpe. Cleve was a strong believer in the values of Jesus Christ. Therefore advocating for the poor, hungry, lonely, disregarded, mistreated, and the disadvantaged came naturally to him. Supporting, guiding, encouraging, and lifting folks to their level of potential was also important to him. As a community activist and civil rights leader, much of his work was conducted in the background with direct contact with other civic leaders without the fanfare of needing to be officially recognized. Knowing that he was having a positive influence on the lives of others was good enough for him. His family would often be surprised by random awards, notes, and phone calls of appreciation from elected officials, civic leaders, and individuals in the community for either helping to keep the peace during tumultuous times or for his impact to discreetly alleviate the burden of others. There are numerous newspaper articles where Cleve was either bringing awareness to blighted areas in Gainesville or advocating for Single-Member political districts. Cleve’s first order of business was as a fervent protector of his wife and family who meant the WORLD to him. Cleve often said that his wife Barbara was the most beautiful and smartest woman he had ever met and that she was the full package! Cleve and Barbara had a deep, abiding, and rare love that would rival Bogie and Bacall or Hepburn and Tracy. Barbara and Cleve’s partnership flowed throughout the community. Countless lives have been positively impacted by their time, talent, political connections, generosity, and kitchen-table conversations when folks needed personal or professional advice. Cleve and Barbara often traveled to various cities in California and Florida, had an annual wedding anniversary trip to Savannah, Georgia, and they were always on the hunt with Antique shopping. Cleve was always well-dressed and even during relaxing times, he would never leave the house without his Cologne and a tucked in T-shirt! Cleve had a contagious laugh and was the Chef of the family, and no one could top his stir-fried collard greens! Cleve ensured his children and grandchildren knew that they were loved and proud of by always sharing nuggets of wisdom and encouraging them to maximize their potential. As a girl dad, Cleve would do whatever they asked and endured countless little girl tea parties and fingernail paintings. He never complained. His children were raised to never be intimidated by anyone, taught them that education is key to success, when you see something… say something, to conduct themselves with dignity, to do your best, disregard perceived limitations, and if you do not like city and county policies – then “run for office!” Phone calls and visits always ended with him saying “I love you” and annual family birthdays highly anticipated Cleve and Barbara’s “Happy Birthday” song. There are many tales of family cross-country trips, family barbeques, gathering with friends for beach trips, and a house filled with music. Cleve was an avid lover of nature and gardens and had an amazing green thumb. He had a backyard of several orange, tangerine, lemon, lime, and fig trees right in the heart of Gainesville. Cleve was also a lover of animals, and for a decade had a backyard filled with Nubian Goats, turkeys, chickens, and dogs. Cleve’s love of nature, countryside, and animals stemmed from growing up in Waycross, Georgia on a 90-acre farm that consisted of horses, cows, and pigs. There are countless stories of Cleve’s fishing trips and Wild Boar Hunting adventures that revealed miracles of how he made it out of the forest alive. His love of entrepreneurship stems from his mother, who owned the Wheel of Fortune restaurant as well as a liquor store in Waycross, Georgia; and from his beloved grandfather Willie Plummer, who established the original Plummer’s Barber Shop. Cleve and Barbara owned the Pit Stop Community Store which was strategically located in a neighborhood with a food desert so they could discreetly feed children before and after school (at no charge), provide meals for their families, and provide meals for the elderly. They reestablished and owned his grandfather’s historic “Plummer’s Barber Shop” and strategically located it on the same street as the original property, and they included the Clear Images Art Gallery on the 2nd floor. Cleve and his Plummer’s Barber Shop customers had special relationships. As with any Barber Shop, their conversations would span the globe of international relations, politics, sports, education, family matters, and of course… some fun nonsense. Cleve loved being the Socrates of the shop by sharing his philosophy on a variety of subjects. Cleve left his love on the field for the Lord and his family… There was nothing left unsaid nor left undone between them. Well Done, Cleve… your spirit and legacy will live on forever with your family for generations to come! Personal: · Member, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Education: · Lincoln High School, Alachua County Schools · A.S. Degree, Edward Waters College · Master Barber’s License, Edwards Waters College Professional Experience: · Georgia CSX Railroad Company · City of Gainesville Code Enforcement Officer · Realtor · Co-Owner with wife, Plummer’s Barber Shop · Co-Owner with wife, Pit Stop Community Store · Co-Owner with wife, Clear Images Art Gallery Civic Experience (abbreviated list): · Member, Charter Review Commission · Member, Pleasant Street Neighborhood Association · Member, Citizens for Change Committee · Numerous City, County, and Community Board Affiliations Achievement/Awards (abbreviated list): · National NAACP Image Award · Chamber of Commerce Small Businessman of the Year · Numerous Awards, Accolades, and Achievements

Tributes

Mr. Clevern "Cleve" Sharpe Jr

December 27, 1936 - December 24, 2024