It is with great sadness that we announce Bill Sharon ’74 into Chapter Eternal on May 26, 2024. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bill. Read on for the full obituary.
Obituary courtesy of Trinity Memorial Gardens.
SHARON, Clark William (“Bill”), 71, created memories, celebrated family milestones, and pursued interests throughout his life. His strength, determination and courage enabled him to navigate an unexpected cancer diagnosis 2 ½ years ago. On May 26, 2024, Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Bill is survived by his wife, Amelia Campbell; children, Tyler Sharon, Lindsay Sharon, Kristi Hardison (Lance); grandchildren, Olivia and Hannah Hardison; mother-in-law, Ann Campbell; brother-in-law, Harrison Campbell (Kristine) and children, Harrison, Madeleine, and Matthew; and brother, Steven Sharon (Barbara Ann) and children, Jessica (Sam) and Steve. He was also beloved by his extended family and many friends.
Bill was born in Bryn Mawr, PA on August 1, 1952 to Clark and Betty Sharon. He graduated from Penn State and served as President of Pi Kappa Phi. As a math major, Bill began his career as an actuary at Towers Perrin in Philadelphia. He soon transferred to the Tampa office and discovered the beauty of Florida long before the recent influx of residents. Recognizing his exceptional interpersonal skills, Towers transitioned Bill to a consulting role where he advised executives about health care. Despite receiving offers in larger cities, Bill was determined to raise his children in Tampa where he also worked for Hewitt and AON before returning to Towers Watson to manage and rebuild the Tampa office.
In 2015, Bill retired to spend more time with Amelia and Tyler and pursue his many interests. Bill mastered the pickup line at St. John’s and Tampa Prep, chauffeured Tyler to hockey practice, and attended every game. Their annual Father/Son Trip took them to many destinations, including National Parks (Bill’s choice) and Los Angeles (Tyler’s choice).
Bill’s passion for golf began in high school when he received lessons from the pro at the country club where he worked as a caddy. He frequently played golf with friends at Feather Sound Country Club and improved his handicap during retirement. Amelia knew never to disturb Bill while he was watching the Masters. To celebrate his 60th birthday, Bill played golf at St. Andrews in Scotland and Old Head in Ireland.
Nicknamed the “Energizer Bunny,” Bill was athletic and enjoyed cycling, kayaking, playing tennis, exercising on the River Walk and hiking in Colorado. In 2020, Bill climbed Mount Elbert, which at 14,443 feet is the second highest peak in the lower 48 states.
Spending time with family was important to Bill, and two of his favorite places to meet were Vail and Sanibel. In Vail, he enjoyed visiting with Lindsay and Kristi, hiking Berry Picker, and riding his bike from the valley to the top of Vail Pass. In Sanibel, he dominated the tennis court, showing no mercy on his younger competitors.
As an avid Tampa Bay Lightning fan, Bill was a season ticket holder from the beginning of the franchise. In 2004, Bill and Amelia attended Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final when the Lightning won the Cup, which was the most exciting sporting event he ever attended.
The family will host a celebration of life on July 19, 2024 at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa at 10:30 am followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Tee of Tampa Bay https://www.tampaymca.org/give (First Tee Family and designate that it is in memory of Bill Sharon) or Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, online at Moffitt.org/Donate or by mailing a check to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, MBC-FOU, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. (Please reference in memory of Bill Sharon and Thoracic Oncology Research).
The family would like to thank our many friends, including Bev and Roger Eha, Jackie and Don Nelsen, Sandra Gregory and Tom Bradley, Pat Ryan, Leah Mune, Ben Hill III, Jim Robbins, Linda Hartley, Chad Callahan, Emily Weeks, and the entire Hill Ward Henderson family, for their support during this unimaginable journey. Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Andres Saltos (Moffitt Cancer Center) and Marcia Horn (ICAN, International Cancer Advocacy Network), who gave Bill the “gift of time.”