Date of Birth: December 11, 1956
Date of Death: December 31, 2021
Walter Sharkey, known by many as Pee Wee, was called home in the early hours of December 31st, 2021. Pee Wee was born December 11, 1956, in Portageville, Missouri to Walter and Vernell Sharkey. Pee Wee loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ into his life at an early age at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Portageville Elementary and graduated from Portageville High School in 1975 and then went on to join the United States Army for four years with an Honorable Discharge. Growing up, Pee Wee’s siblings remember him as adventurous, funny, playful, and a true animal-lover, especially his love for dogs. His Mother, Vernell and Father, Walter would say Pee Wee was mischievous and kept them on their toes while vividly remembering a time when Pee Wee and his brother, Troy, were climbing trees after being told not to, and decided to poke at a beehive and hundreds of bees came flying out, sending Troy and Pee Wee running! Although mischief may have gotten Pee Wee into some trouble as a child, including always trying to scare his sisters or play pranks on his dad, his playful curiosity would later develop him into a strong, fearless man. His fun-hearted nature made you laugh and feel safe, his siblings would call him a family superhero. The characteristics Pee Wee displayed as a child molded his life as he became the man, we all love today. He was headstrong, witty, resilient, and could bust some good dance moves…Pee Wee could start a conversation with a complete stranger and would leave with a new friend for life while simultaneously introducing those new souls to Christ. These qualities, yes including his dance moves, were displayed in his incredible work ethic, in his friendships, and later when he created his own family. The Superhero brother his siblings remember him as would transition into him being a Superhero dad and family man. His wife and children will remember him as a selfless, protective, providing, and God-fearing man. He left an imprint on our hearts of endless memories from his sharp humor to his vast knowledge and wisdom, his charismatic personality & charm, & we cannot forget those biceps…that man would flex in his sleep, and that man will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, their 9 children and 3 grandchildren, his former wife, their 2 children and 1 grandchild, his Mother & Father, his 5 siblings and their spouses, and a host of beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and his dog, Shorty. Matthew 5:4
Service Information
The funeral service will be led by Pastor Harris on January 26, 2022 at Best Funeral Services The service will begin at 9am and commence at 11am following a burial service at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 12:30pm
I’m so sorry we couldn’t attend. Unfortunately I came down with covid and it just keeps hanging on. Please accept our sympathies for your loss. Niki and Courtney I will come by after I kick this cough. We love you all. Anni and the boys
The Portageville High School “Class of 1975” wants to extend our sincere sympathy to the Sharkey family. We were sorry to hear of Walter’s passing.
We, all, have fon,d memories of Walter. He, always, had a big smile and kind words for us.
May God bless you all during this difficult time.
“Fly high, Walter, fly high!”!