William R. Sharpe Jr.

William Richard Sharpe Jr. (October 28, 1928 – February 16, 2009) was a Democratic member of the West Virginia Senate, representing the 12th district. He was first elected in 1960 and served until 1980. From 1972 to 1980 he served as Majority Whip. He was elected again in 1984 and in 1990 was appointed Senate President Pro Tempore. He is the longest-serving State Senator in West Virginia history, with a career of over 44 years.

William Richard Sharpe Jr.
Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 12th district
In office December 1, 1992 – December 1, 2008
Preceded by	Jae Spears
Succeeded by	Doug Facemire
Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 13th district
In office December 1, 1984 – December 1, 1992
Preceded by	Jean Scott Chace
Succeeded by	Joe Manchin
In office December 1, 1960 – December 1, 1980
Preceded by	Raymond J. Vassar
Succeeded by	Jean Scott Chace
Personal details
Born	William Richard Sharpe Jr. (1928-10-28)October 28, 1928 Clarksburg, West Virginia
Died	February 15, 2009(2009-02-15) (aged 80) Weston, West Virginia
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Pauline Lester
Residence	Weston, West Virginia
Alma mater	Victory High School, West Virginia University
Occupation	Master electrician, Electrical engineer, Electrical contractor

In 1994, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources opened a new 150 bed acute care psychiatric facility to replace the old Weston State Hospital. The new facility was named William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital. In 2000 a new Civil Air Patrol facility was built at Charleston's Yeager Airport and it too was named in Sharpe's honor.

In January 2007, Sharpe underwent a 10-hour surgery to treat what doctors called a giant aneurysm. In 2008, Sharpe opted not to seek another term as State Senator. His term expired at the end of December 2008. Sharpe died February 16, 2009.

External links

• Ex-W.Va. Senate pro tem Sharpe dies at 80
• Follow the Money - William R. Sharpe Jr.
  • 2006 2004 2000 Senate campaign contributions