Earl Sharkey

Earl Sharkey passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He was 84 years old. He was born April 15, 1941, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Robert C. Sharkey and Thelma Courtney Sharkey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Bobbie Jean Whitaker; his brother Tommy Frank Sharkey; his former wife, Patsy Caldwell Sharkey; and his granddaughter Brandi Jo Dunlap Sibley and her baby.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Debbie Fletcher Sharkey; his beloved children Laurie Sharkey Mitchell and her husband Roger, Sharie Sharkey Dunlap and her husband Brent, Darie Sharkey Clement and her husband Terry, Samantha Sharkey Wartenbe, Melonie Wells Ellzey and her husband Brandon, Hannah Hutchinson Blades, Joshua Hutchinson, Angel Hutchinson Dorton and her husband Daniel, and Wesley Hutchinson. He is also survived by 13 cherished grandchildren, 15 adored great-grandchildren and numerous other loving family and friends.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Earl spent his life surrounded by the roar of engines and the joy of the open road. His love of motorcycles and fast cars wasn't just a hobby - it was a way of life! He channeled that passion into a lifelong entrepreneurial career as an automobile body mechanic, where he earned the respect of all who knew him as a master of his craft. Whether it was repairing a damaged car, restoring a classic car, customizing a hot rod or refurbishing a dune buggy for a dear friend, his work earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business, and countless customers trusted him to make their vehicles as good as new.

Earl will be remembered by his strong hands, kind heart and the unmistakable gleam in his eye whenever he spoke of his favorite motorcycle rides.

His adventurous spirit and love for life were contagious, and he inspired all who knew him to embrace the road ahead, no matter the bumps along the way.

He will be missed beyond words and remembered always with love.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

For those so desiring, memorials in honor of Earl Sharkey may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com