Reverend Grant McGuffin Sharp

Grant McGuffin Sharp, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and minister to all in the community, died June 7, 2026, at home after a period of declining health. He was 91 years old. Born in Detroit, MI to proud Canadian parents, Mildred McGuffin Sharp and George Grant Sharp, on October 11, 1934, he moved with them at age 5 to Deland, FL. After graduation from Deland High School in 1952, he attended both Davidson College and Union Theological Seminary, graduating in 1956 and 1959 respectively. 

Beginning his pastoral career at Allison Creek Presbyterian Church in York, SC in 1959, he then went on to subsequent pastorates at Highland Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurinburg, NC, First Presbyterian Church in Dunn, NC, and First Presbyterian Church in Statesville, NC. After retiring in 1996, Grant continued in service to pastorates at the International Protestant Church in Brussels, Belgium, Tabor Presbyterian Church in Olin, NC, and Cameron Presbyterian Church in Statesville, NC. He retired finally in 2021 and was once quoted saying, “I have felt called to this life of service and abundantly blessed in the calling.” 

Grant was a gifted worship leader. His very physical presence in the pulpit - his erect posture, his lustrous red robe, his resounding voice, his judicious use of the pregnant pause - inspired reverence. During hymns, his strong voice amplified the passion of all the other voices in the sanctuary. He truly loved music and always made it entirely vital to each service. Never did he let the congregation forget the centrality of the Word and the Sacraments. His sermons reflected a strong belief in his own words about his faith in Jesus Christ, his life and the gift of resurrection. And thusly inspired reassurance to all. 

Worship and pastoral care were Grant’s greatest strengths in his ministry. People will always remember his friendship and compassionate interest in people - no matter the circumstances. He was warm and comfortable to be with, even in the most challenging personal situations. Able to ease with a smile and a quirky comment, he inspired a rare trust and confidence. He spent countless hours visiting and listening - in the hospital, in homes, in offices. Grant taught the gift of presence. 

His congregation will always remember his benediction, “Go now remembering what we have done here. Go now remembering what God has done …You are God’s loved, chosen, forgiven and empowered people.” It was a potent reminder that God was in the place of worship. The members of all of his congregations will remember what Grant Sharp has done in their presence, reminding us to live accepting these God-given gifts. 

Grant is survived by his loving and beloved wife of 66 years, Carolyn Herman Sharp originally from LaGrange, GA; his children Emily Sharp Robinson of Charlotte, NC, Daniel Carey Sharp and wife Susan of Statesville, NC; his grandchildren Alexander Reid Sharp and wife Erika of Fayetteville, GA, Carolyn Bailey Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Miller Peterson Robinson, Jr. of Columbus, GA, John Murray Sharp and wife Molly of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Thomas Grant Robinson of San Francisco, CA; great-grandchildren Davis Reid Sharp, Austin James Sharp, and Cooper Ryan Sharp all of Fayetteville, GA. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting Street, Statesville, NC. You may access the livestream on the church website, fpcstatesville.org. The family will visit with friends following the service at the church. Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The McGuffin Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church (address above), or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Arrangements for Grant Sharp are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.