BIOGRAPHIES
EXPLORE THEIR STORIES
Five autobiographies and eight biographies are presented here, from Thomas Bowles, who was born in 1902, to John “Johnny” Vaught, who died in 2015. In addition, 21 biographical summaries are shown without an immediate download available for the sake of privacy. (These biographies may be obtained by contacting Richard Martin at rtmsharp99@gmail.com.) All of the biographies were written by Richard Martin. Of course, the autobiographies were written by the person about themselves, with photographs and captions added by Richard Martin.
Introduction
Biographies are surprisingly rare. In fact, far less than one percent of the population has ever recorded even a single paragraph about their lives. Thus, the life histories recorded here are important.
Thomas Holland Bowles
Thomas Holland Bowles was born on June 11, 1902, in Monticello, Drew County, Arkansas, and died on October 16, 1993, and buried just a few hundred feet from where he was born. He had a radio announcer’s voice and a fun sense of humor.
His father was a well-to-do merchant, but lost his fortune by giving credit out too freely. As Tom said, “His word was his bond, and he thought that others felt the same way.”
At a young age, Tom had to quit school and work two jobs to help support his family. At one job he ironed shirts, and at the other, sold popcorn at the local movie theater. He enjoyed school and hated to leave; he cried when one of his best friends showed him his diploma. Later he worked at a bank and for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. One of the best decisions that he ever made was when he purchased land on the west side of Little Rock, Arkansas, and began a goat dairy. He had a large herd of goats and prospered. In time he sold the goat business, and after his wife died, sold his land that had gone up greatly in value, and moved to East Texas to live with his daughter, Patricia Bowles Crocker.
He was a great cook and was famous for his savory barbeque. Sometimes, an unfortunate goat made it to the dinner table. Once his visiting granddaughter, Nancy Sharp, was looking for her favorite goat, which was lame. Everyone was gathered around the dinner table and Nancy asked, “Where’s Billy?” Grandpa announced, “We’re eating him!”
Frances Ewell Massey
Frances Ewell Massey was born on February 17, 1904, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died on May 5, 1974, at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was blessed with an award winning personality and easily made friends, many of them for life. Her father was a conductor for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for 43 years.
She graduated from Little Rock High School and soon met Thomas Holland Bowles, whom she quickly fell in love with. They eloped and married on August 14, 1921, without the knowledge or consent of her parents. Then she soon left and attended school at Crescent College in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, an all-girl’s college.
Frances and Tom soon had four children. Frances loved history and eventually got into Genealogy, which she loved. She began the research of many of the lines shown on this Internet site. After she raised her family, she worked for the Arkansas History Commission (1959-1970) in the west wing of the Old State House that was built in 1842.
Her family and friends loved her dearly. It is not hyperbole to say that she was a delightful person that made the world a better place for everyone that knew her.
Mildred Jane Ellen Bowles
Mildred Jane Ellen Bowles was born on March 18, 1923, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died March 1, 2000, in The Woodlands, Texas. She was always very close to her sister, Patricia Bowles, and helped her move from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Houston, Texas, in 1954. Mildred worked in downtown Houston for a railroad labor union and Pat also worked downtown for McGraw Hill Publishing Company. They talked almost every day and Millie would often visit her on special occasions. Fortunately, Millie like to take photographs, and many, if not most, of the photographs taken of Pat’s children in these histories were made by Millie.
Millie had an outgoing and friendly personality. She made a number of lifelong friends at work and stayed close to them even after she retired.
John Edwin “Johnny” Vaught
John Edwin “Johnny” Vaught was born on January 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died on December 4, 2015, in The Woodlands, Texas. He grew up in Houston, Texas, but lived for many years in Pennsylvania. He became a high-skilled, contracted draftsman and had a well-paying career for many years, working mainly for power plant projects. After he retired in the late 1990s, he moved back to The Woodlands, Texas, to be close to his mother. He loved Luby’s Cafeteria, and was close to his cousins, Ron and Richard Martin.
Download John Edwin “Johnny” Vaught (included with Mildred Bowles) Biography 
Patricia Anna Elizabeth Bowles
Patricia Anna Elizabeth Bowles was born on July 31, 1927, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died on November 23, 2006, at her home in Rockdale, Texas. She was known for her kind and gentle disposition and was close to her mother and sisters. She had four children before moving to Houston, Texas. Soon she got a good job working in downtown Houston for McGraw Hill Publishing Company and later became the manager of her department. She married Vester Crocker in 1967 and they had a close marriage, often talking with each other four times a day. They moved from Houston to East Texas in 1979 and later to a farm near Rockdale, Texas, about 1995, where she lived the rest of her life.
Vester Lowell Crocker
Vester Lowell Crocker was born on April 25, 1930, in Union, Mississippi. He had honest, hard-working parents, but grew up very poor. At a low point, his family lived on molasses and corn bread for six months. For ten years he picked cotton by hand. At 17, he worked in a traveling circus for a year, and later tried some other things. When he was 21 he moved with a friend to Houston, Texas, and got into the carpet business. He told relatives and friends about Houston and soon he helped 12 families move from Mississippi to Houston, including his parents. Vester had five children before meeting Patricia Bowles. They married in 1967 and had a special marriage for 39 years until Pat’s death in 2006.
Vester has owned and operated a number of companies over the years. In the mid-1960s he owned the largest carpet company in Houston. Later he got into the land reclamation business and today (2020), at the age of 90, he owns and operates a company with 40 employees in Rockdale, Texas, where he has been a church and community leader for many years. Vester has helped many people and even saved some lives. He is loved and admired by many people.
Vester Crocker died on November 21, 2020, in Rockdale, Texas.
Marion Carlos Sharp, Sr.
Marion Carlos Sharp, Sr. was born September 27, 1905, in Denver, Colorado, and died February 8, 1988, in Norfolk, Baxter County, Arkansas. His father had a good job with the Rock Island Railroad and was working in Denver, Colorado, when Marion was born. After Marion graduated from high school, he went to work for the Rock Island Railroad and eventually became an executive with the company. He married Claire Smith when they were young and had four children. Marion played professional baseball for seven years and was a champion diver, once being invited to try out for the Olympics. Marion lived in Chicago for many years, but retired to northern Arkansas, where he was active in a national boating organization.
Marion Carlos Sharp, Jr.
Marion Carlos Sharp, Jr. was born on February 9, 1924, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died on January 12, 1980, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in Little Rock and enlisted in the United States Army in 1943. He served as a tank commander in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, Italy, Rome, Italy, Southern France, and Germany. He saw more combat and was in more battles than at least 95% of the American soldiers in World War II. When he returned home he married Patricia Bowles and had four children. He was a farrier by trade and an excellent leather craftsman. He died in a home gas explosion at the age of 55.
Claire Smith
Claire Smith was born on September 16, 1907, in Searcy County, Arkansas, and died on September 8, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was one of seven daughters born to Clyde Van Smith and Cora Bratton. Her father died when she was 12 years old. She married the very handsome, Marion Carlos Sharp, Sr., when she was almost 16 and they had four children. She lived in Little Rock, Arkansas, Houston, Texas, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Cathy Ann Martin
Cathy Ann Martin was born January 25, 1947, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died September 10, 2002, in Rockdale, Texas. She loved horses from the time she was young and eventually made horses her career, owning over 30 quarter horses at one time. She grew up in Houston, Texas, with her younger brothers and sister.
A deep thinker, she wondered about the meaning of life and talked about it with her siblings. When her minister couldn’t answer some basic religious questions, she thought someone must have the answers and began her quest for truth, which led her to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Later, she introduced the church to her family, friends, and acquaintances, and in just a few years, more than 30 people also believed and were baptized. She helped many people and was an outstanding youth teacher. Cathy had a profound, spiritual quality about her and she blessed many lives. She died when she was 55 years old.
Ronald Marion Martin
Ronald Marion Martin was born September 24, 1948, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died July 6, 2012, in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Ron grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Houston, Texas.
When he was 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Military Policeman in San Francisco and Thailand during the Viet Nam War. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while he was in the service in 1968. From 1972 to 1974 he served a mission to Peru, where he taught and baptized hundreds of converts. He got a degree in History from Brigham Young University in 1977, taught two years in Houston ISD, and then worked with his brother for four years in the annuity business before starting his own company. He eventually became a successful annuity broker. He loved his siblings and was especially close to his brother’s children, who all loved him.
Nancy Carol Martin
Nancy Carol Martin was born on October 24, 1949, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died on April 16, 2014, in Logan, Utah. She was outgoing and easily made friends. In high school she was a cheerleader and voted the most popular girl.
While attending the University of Arkansas she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which forever changed her life. She married Richard Lamb in 1975 and had three children. They moved from Houston, Texas, to Logan, Utah, in the early 1980s and there she got into the log cabin business. She soon became their top salesperson. Nancy struggled off and on with Multiple Sclerosis from the 1980s. Sometimes it was difficult to walk, but she raised her children, worked in the church, and managed her business. In 1987 she was chosen MS Mother of the Year for Utah. The final five years of her life were very difficult and she died from complications of MS in 2014.
Richard Thomas Martin
I was born on October 12, 1953, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in Houston, Texas. I became interested in genealogy at a young age and did some good research here and there, but beginning in 1998 I immersed myself in the work with the ultimate goal of compiling all of my records into book form.
I’ve been blessed in my life. I worked a number of jobs when I was young, played on the school tennis team, served as a missionary for two years in Southern California, married an amazing, attractive woman, graduated from the University of Houston in business, taught school, and established a wonderful career in finance that did well enough to allow me time to pursue my family history goals. My wife and I have four beautiful children.
I taught seminary for five years, coached basketball, continued to play tennis, wrote a book that was published by a major company and distributed nationwide, and traveled to all fifty states and over sixty countries.
In 2010 I ran for governor of Utah, and, with my oldest son, recently promoted a new Utah flag, which received front page news throughout the state and made national news. The flag was adopted by the state as the official commemorative flag for Utah in 2021.
In 2019 I went with my youngest daughter on a Magellan trip around the world to 12 counties, including New Zealand, Cambodia, Egypt, and Iceland. I’ve studied history, astronomy and physics, but the most important thing to me in the world is the gospel.
(This autobiography is a short version of a much longer edition that is over 1,000 pages long.)
Thomas John Massey “Buddy” Bowles
Thomas John Massey “Buddy” Bowles was born on January 30, 1925, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, the second child of Thomas Holland Bowles and Frances Massey, and died on April 29, 2002, at his home near Little Rock, Arkansas.
He had an extraordinary personality and was well-liked. He was tall, handsome, and manly. After serving in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant during World War II, he became a fire fighter in the Little Rock Fire Department. He quickly rose through the ranks and at a young age became District Fire Chief. He was offered the Chief of Fire Department job more than once, but always turned it down. For 36 years he also enjoyed working for an insurance investigation company, which required him to travel all over Arkansas. He actual made more money in the investigation business than he did as a fireman. On some of these trips he visited relatives.
He had a good marriage to Maxine Broadway and they had two daughters: Jane and Julia Bowles
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Jane Ellen Bowles
Jane Ellen Bowles was born on November 6, 1956, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. She grew up in Little Rock and was close to her younger sister, Julia. She had a beautiful daughter, Patricia Ellen Francis that was born on March 18, 1980, but got cancer, and, sadly, died on April 6, 1985. Ellen was very close to her grandfather, John Bowles.
Jane graduated in nursing form the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in 1992 and became a Registered Nurse. Her second daughter, Jenny Gibbs, was born on October 3, 1987.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Julia Ann Bowles
Julia Ann Bowles was born on November 6, 1958 (the same day as her older sister), in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. She married Robert Short on September 1, 1984, in Little Rock and they have two children: Mary Anne Short and John Louis Short.
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Nancy Bowles
Nancy Bowles was born on June 8, 1930, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and died on February 1, 2016, in Benton, Arkansas. She was the youngest child of Thomas Holland Bowles and Frances Massey, and admitted that she was “spoiled.” Nevertheless, she would get up each morning and fix breakfast (usually cocoa and toast) and make lunches for her brother and sisters. She washed by hand and ironed her own clothes from the time she was six years old. After her father started a dairy goat farm, she herded the goats, which she usually enjoyed, but “could be a lot of work.”
She married Fred Braden, Jr. on April 12, 1947, and they had a son: Michael Fredrick Braden, who was born on February 23, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She always liked Fred, but he was a womanizer, and even though she was willing to forgive him, “he just never grew out of it.” She married second, Paul Long on October 14, 1956, and they had a son: William Paul Long on June 22, 1957. Paul Long was an alcoholic. She married third, Thomas Elton Wooten on March 13, 1964, and they had a good marriage until his death in 2001. After he lost the use of his kidneys she took care of him for the last nine years of his life and completed a dialysis for him six times a day.
Nancy worked as the personal secretary for five different mayors/city managers of Little Rock, Arkansas, between 1955 and 1983. After Elton died, a former mayor asked her to marry him. She replied, “I love you, but I don’t love you that way.”
Nancy, like her siblings, had an outgoing, direct personality. She told you how she really felt.
Nancy was active in her church in Benton, Arkansas, and even when she was old, would take some of the older members out to lunch each week. She said, “It was good for them and it was good for me.”
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Michael Fredrick Braden
Michael Fredrick Braden married Vikki Amber Adams on June 14, 1968, and had one son: Michael Scott Braden, who was born on August 15, 1970. Two years later, they divorced, but Michael and Vikki remained friends. In fact, Michael later paid for Vikki to go to law school.
Michael became a master electrician and has had a successful career. He has done well financially, purchasing apartments in Little Rock and in Alaska, where he later moved.
Michael was close to his mother, calling her regularly and visiting her often. Before she died, Nancy said, “He is a perfect son.”
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William Paul Long
William Paul Long (later Wooten) grew up close to his grandmother, Frances Massey Bowles (1904-1974). The day that she died Will knew it. He said, “The day that Grandmother died (May 14, 1974) I felt something was very, very, wrong. I knew that she had passed away and I felt that I had lost my closest friend.”
Will became a registered nurse and met his future wife at the hospital that they both worked in. Will married Rina Chung Lim on June 13, 1986, in Little Rock. They lived for a number of years in Houston, Texas, Austin, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, before returning to Little Rock.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Alice Joyce Sharp
Alice Joyce Sharp (1925-1990) was born on October 27, 1925, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, the second child of Marion Carlos Sharp, Sr. and Claire Smith, and died on April 15, 1996, in Sioux City, Iowa. She grew up in Little Rock and when she was 16 years old met Dwight Herrick (1919-2001), who was in the Army Medical Corps and stationed in Little Rock. They met at a roller skating rink (Alice was athletic and a champion skater). They soon married and two years later Dwight was transferred to England where he drove an ambulance for 18 months. After the war, Dwight got a good job working for Northwest Railroad and they moved to Sioux City, Iowa. He became Yard Foreman and retired after 35 years of service.
They had three children: Sheryl Lynn Herrick, Sandra Lee Herrick, and Christie Jean Herrick.
Dwight met two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1956. He said, “They were the nicest guys. I liked to talk about religion and the meaning of life and they were so interesting.” They joined the church and were very active for a number of years.
Dwight bought some horses, which they kept across the street from their home, and they road them every week.
Some sad times entered their lives and the family stopped going to church. Alice and Dwight divorced in 1964 and Alice never remarried.
Alice went to work and often worked two jobs at the same time. Her daughter, Christie, said that she was the hardest working person that she ever knew.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Sheryl Lynn Herrick
Sheryl Lynn “Sandy” Herrick was born on September 24, 1947, in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, where she grew up. She worked for six years in cosmetics at a high-end department store, Younkers Martin. She later married and lived in Humboldt, Iowa, for a number of years.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Sandra Lee Herrick
Sandra Lee Herrick was born on August 2, 1950, in Sioux City, Iowa, where she grew up. Soon after graduating from high school, she married and had two children: Melissa “Missy” Ann O’Connell, born on October 14, 1968, and Tod Michael O’Connell, born on September 22, 1969. Her husband died young.
Sandy married again and had two more children: Nicholas Michael Topf, born on December 19, 1979, and Cory Vincent Topf, born on February 25, 1981.
Sandy’s greatest trial was multiple sclerosis and she was attacked severely by the disease in the late 1990s. Near the end of her life she could barely lift her head. She died on September 6, 2016, in Sioux City, Iowa.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Christie Jean Herrick
Christie Jean Herrick was born on April 7, 1953, in Sioux City, Iowa, where she grew up. She married soon after gradating from high school and moved to Denver, Colorado, where she worked in the Securities Division for First Bank of Denver. Later she lived for a time in Honolulu, Hawaii, and other places such as Coronado, California, Santa Monica, California, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Huntersville, North Carolina.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Lincoln Leroy Davis
Lincoln Leroy Davis was born on February 12, 1928, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and named Ronald Clair Sharp, the third child of Marion Carlos Sharp, Sr. and Claire Smith. He was adopted by his great-aunt, Mabel Davis, and her husband, Lincoln Davis, who changed his name to Lincoln Leroy Davis. He grew up in El Reno and Lawton, Oklahoma. He literally married the girl next door, Joann Mann, in 1951, and they had three children: Lincoln Leroy Davis, Jr. (born 1952), Victoria Ruth Davis (born 1955), and Marcia Annette Davis (born 1958).
Just before he got married, Lincoln joined the Air Force, which meant that he had to move a number of times. He first lived in Wichita Falls, Texas (Sheppard Air Force Base), then Anchorage, Alaska (Elmendorf Air Force Base), then in 1954 they moved to Savanna, Georgia (Hunter AFB), and for a brief time they lived in upper state New York (Plattsburg AFB).
Lincoln was an outstanding rifleman and won many medals in competitions at the National Rifle Association at Camp Perry, Ohio.
In 1959 Lincoln was sent to Wakkanai, the most northern Japanese island for an 18 month tour. He later served in Viet Nam and once a fellow soldier was killed next to him while they were working in their office.
Lincoln met his mother for the first time in 1982 and they had a meaningful relationship. He drove from his home in Abilene, Texas, to see her in Memphis, Tennessee, a number of times.
Lincoln had a special, spiritual experience when he saw his father after he had died in February 1988. He shared this experience with my brother and I the morning after it happened. Six months later, Lincoln unexpectedly died from a stroke on September 6, 1988.
I loved Lincoln. He was one of my favorite relatives.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Lincoln Leroy Davis, Jr.
Lincoln Leroy Davis, Jr. was born on February 11, 1952, at Sheppard Air Force Base near Burkburnett, Texas. After the fourth grade he grew up in San Angelo, Texas, which became his home. He played fullback on his high school football team, which was a big deal in west Texas. His team tied for second in the district with seven wins and three losses and he was their leading ground gainer. After he graduated, he was offered two football scholarships, but he never played football again.
After working as a plant manager, he changed careers and became a computer operator. Then he worked in Tripoli, Libya, for two years, where he got to see some great Roman ruins. Before 1999, Lincoln worked in Houston, Texas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Singapore, Bangkok, Thailand, Columbia, and Argentina. Since then he has worked in Mexico, England, Egypt, Trinidad, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He married Frauke Hilde Richter and they had a daughter: Tiffani Ahren Davis, who was born on January 18, 1985, in Singapore.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Victoria “Vicky” Ruth Davis
Victoria Ruth Davis was born on November 3, 1955, in Savanna, Georgia. When she was young, she spent a few weeks during the summers with her grandmother, Mabel Davis (actually her great-grandaunt), at her home in Lawton, Oklahoma. Every day Mabel made homemade bread, donuts, and candies. Her other grandmother lived across the street.
After Vicky graduated from high school she began working for Dresser Industries, a multi-billion dollar corporation. They were later purchased by Halliburton. She worked as a manager for them until she retired in 2013.
Vicky owns and rides a horse, which is an important part of her life. She enjoys spending many hours with her horse every week.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Marcia Annette Davis
Marcia Annette Davis was born on December 12, 1958, in Savanna, Georgia. She grew up in San Angelo, Texas. After graduating from high school, she worked for many years for Welex, which later became Halliburton. After she married Skip Herald in 1988 she moved from Houston, Texas, to Metairie, Louisiana, then to Katy, Texas, then to Littleton, Colorado, then to Oklahoma City, and then back to Katy, Texas. In 2012, Marcia and Skip built a beautiful new home west of Tomball, Texas, on enough acreage to keep her horses.
Marcia is an expert horseperson. For many years she has won horse competitions with Spur, whose father was Spanish Array, an AQHA champion. Marcia said, “I’m the happiest person in the world when I’m on my horse.”
Marcia has two children: Jeremy Adrian Davis (born June 6, 1979) and Sarah Ashley Herald (born October 24, 1989).
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Carol Lee Sharp
Carol Lee Sharp was born on March 4, 1931, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, the youngest child of Marion Carlos Sharp, Sr. and Claire Smith. She grew up in Little Rock and was very close to her grandmother, Cora Bratton Smith, who she called “Mama.” She was also close to her aunt, “Hodie,” and her crippled son, Bobbie Shaw.
Carol could sing well and started taking music lessons when she was 13 and sang in the Memphis Opera Theatre Chorus and later sang professionally at the Evergreen Presbyterian Church. Her voice is classified as a light-lyric soprano. Carol was also an excellent swimmer and later became a certified water safety instructor. Her father was also an exceptional swimmer and diver.
Carol married Kenneth Bradshaw (1926-2007) in 1947 and they had five children: Sharyn, Jerald, Susan, Debra, and Barbara Bradshaw.
Carol is a very spiritual person. She often reads the Bible and loves the gospel.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Sharyn Ann Bradshaw
Sharyn Ann Bradshaw was born on December 10, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the first child of Carol Lee Sharp and Kenneth Bradshaw. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, was popular in school, and a college cheerleader.
Sharyn met Lonnie Owen when she was 16. He liked her so much that he even went to the same college, just so he could be with her. They dated for five years and married in 1968. Later she got a Master’s Degree at Memphis State and taught school from 1974 to 1979.
Lonnie did well in his career and is a high level tennis player and a three-handicap golfer. Sharyn also plays tennis.
Sharyn has always been active in the Baptist Church, especially in Bible study. She has held weekly Bible study classes in her home for many years.
Sharyn and Lonnie have one daughter, Kimberly Michelle Owen, who was born on December 10, 1971.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Jerald Eugene Bradshaw
Jerald Eugene “Jerry” Bradshaw was born on October 5, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born a twin with his sister, Susan. Jerry grew up in Memphis and was very active in middle and high school. He went to most of the dances and football games and has great memories of those days.
Jerry started his own construction business when he was 19 years old. Over the years he has owned a number of businesses.
He married in 1981 and had a son, Patrick Ferrell Bradshaw, who was born on June 3, 1982.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Susan Marie Bradshaw
Susan Marie Bradshawwas born on October 5, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee, the twin sister of Jerald. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and was always good friends with her brother and sister, Debra, who were close in age.
Susan was always a hard worker. She worked in a men’s clothing store when she was 15 and 16, then at Dixie Mart, later for five years at Memphis Sewing Machine Company, and then at M & W Auto Supply, before getting a good job with the United States Postal Service. At the postal service she was a supervisor and manager.
Susan had a funeral for her pet cat that died in December 2013. It was a real funeral with a casket, a viewing and a service. Her brother went to the funeral and said, “I can’t believe that I just went to a cat funeral.” Susan really loved her cat. She said, “I saved it and it saved me.”
Susan died on January 22, 2018, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Debra Lynn Bradshaw
Debra Lynn Bradshaw was bornon July 16, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up in Memphis and loved swimming. She was on a swimming team and found out that she was a better diver than a swimmer so she concentrated on that for four years. She was on the top diving team in Memphis, but when she was 15 she did a reverse dive and hit the board. She quit after that because it wasn’t fun anymore.
Debra loved her family and felt especially close to Jerry and Susan because they were near in age.
Debra married Danny Martin and they had three children: Dana Lee Martin (born August 25, 1973), Amber Renee Martin (born March 11, 1978), and Ryan Peter Martin (born December 31, 1980).
Debra has been a systems manager where she oversaw multi-million dollar projects, and worked as a regional sales manager for Toshiba.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Barbara Carol Bradshaw
Barbara Carol Bradshaw was born on January 7, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, the fifth and youngest child of Carol Sharp and Kenneth Bradshaw. She has always loved animals and had a number of rabbits when she was young that she all called Fluffy. When one died another would replace it and it would also be called Fluffy. Her dad made sport with her last rabbit by playfully tapping it with the newspaper until it would paw back. When it got older it would bite at the ankles of men, but never Barbara or any girl. She could pick it up and pet it without any problem, but if a man came into the back yard it would attack. Once her father came into the house bleeding at the ankles because the rabbit had chased and bitten him. Her older brother warned his friends about the killer rabbit in the back yard.
Over the years Barbara has owned a number of dogs and cats. In 2014 she worked as the assistant manager of Goochie Poochie Doggie Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida, where people paid 20 to 80 dollars a day to have their dogs pampered in style.
Besides animals, Barbara loves old movies, and enjoys the American Movie Classics channel.
Contact Richard Martin for Biography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com
Kathleen Heard
Kathleen Heard was born July 17, 1957, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Lee Ann Sharp (daughter of Carlos Lee Sharp, Great-Grandfather of Richard T. Sharp/Martin) and Robert Delton Heard. Her father was an officer in the Air Force, which meant that the family lived in many different places over the years. Kathleen lived in Moody Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia, Eielson AFB, Alaska, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Franklin, Louisiana, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and Ramstein AFB (village of Rodenbach), Germany, where she had some of her best high school days.
From 1975 to 1979, Kathleen went to Louisiana Tech University where she got a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising. She was popular, President of Home Economics Students, and voted an Outstanding Senior at graduation.
She worked as an Assistant Buyer and Buyer for Rubenstein’s Department Store for a few years before teaching at a Montessori school.
In 1984 she married Donald James Barnes and they have a son, Christopher Michael Barnes, who was born on August 31, 1987.
Like her father, Donald was a career officer in the United States Air Force, so again, Kathleen lived with her family in many different places over the years: Elgin AFB, Florida, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, Randolph AFB, Texas, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, Springfield, Virginia, Montgomery, Alabama, Shaw AFB, South Carolina, and MacDill AFB, Florida.
Contact Richard Martin for Autobiography at rtmsharp99@gmail.com