Dr. Archie Beaumont Sharretts II

January 25, 1930- July 4, 2025

Dr. Archie Sharretts, a passionate and distinguished musician, teacher, community advocate, philosopher, conductor, friend and, most importantly, husband, father grandfather and great-grandfather, died in the loving arms of his family on July 4th at his Toccoa, Georgia home at the age of 95.  Dr. Sharretts made sweeping and widespread contributions to the education and music world through his teaching and determination to encourage discipline, independent thinking, and excitement to learn. Dr. Sharretts' passion for music, along with the talented and young musicians he had the privilege to teach and lead, resulted in Toccoa and Stephens County High School bands achieving "Superior ratings" at every music festival competition ranking the bands among the top in the nation. The crowning achievement was a coveted invitation to perform at The Midwest Clinic Band and Orchestra Festival, the world's largest instrumental music education conference. At that performance, the band received an unprecedented ovation with the audience on their feet most in tears over the moving presentation of Richard Wagner's Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral. Dr. Sharretts was not only honored by the band's performance but also by the powerful support from the Toccoa Stephens County community. Governor Jimmy Carter added state appreciation by declaring "Stephens County Band Day" in a special ceremony. The community bolstered him to further improve music development as well as improving the overall quality of education.

Dr. Sharretts was a talented athlete, receiving many awards at a young age in sports. But music was his passion. Born into a broken home on January 25,1930, he and his close brother and lifelong best friend, Rod grew up with the help of extended family and a Catholic Boys' home. In Catholic School, the two battled for best athlete, most talented, and best looking.  Both had in common a great enthusiasm and affection for music. Dr. Sharretts enlisted in the United States Air Force as a bandsman, playing the baritone in bands to support the US and USAF to help maintain troop morale and build relationships through music. In that capacity, he was honored to perform with Bob Hope in his renowned show in appreciation for service members away from home. Following his four-and-a-half-year tour, he attended Florida State University graduating with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education and in 1979 was awarded a PhD in Music Education from Florida State University.

Invited to apply for band director at Toccoa High School, he accepted and quickly fell in love with his new home where he became part of a proud, close-knit and supportive community. Dr. Sharretts made Toccoa home for the rest of his life. In Toccoa, he found a community with strong family spirit. He was inspired by the residents' community pride, compassion for neighbors, and enthusiasm to learn. Students reflected this in their motivation to learn, curiosity and desire to strive for excellence.  They were ready to make music and, in the meantime, Dr. Sharretts was ready to learn from them. He always said the student and teacher teamwork in Toccoa equates to success in making music.

Dr. Sharretts was elected by peers into The Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1999.  He was the first conductor of the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra, an honor he held for 25 years. He was a member of Florida State Phi Delta Kappa, which promotes free public education, and Phi Beta Mu, the National Bandmaster Fraternity. It was a great honor when multiple students chose him as STAR Teacher.

He was a guest conductor, clinician, and Instructor of Music Appreciation at the University of Georgia, recipient of the Liberty Bell Award, and of the "MAC" Award for the State of Georgia.

One of his most cherished honors was when his music students were chosen as "All State Students" which recognizes the top musicians in the State of Georgia.

As active as Dr. Sharretts was professionally and, in the community, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, colleagues, and friends. He expected all his children to participate in a sport, go to church regularly, and vote (his way, of course).

Dr. Sharretts was blessed with the love and companionship of two remarkable women. He was first married to Gracie Alice Davis, whose grace and devotion shaped their early years in Toccoa. Together they raised six children in a home filled with music, faith, love, and organized chaos. Gracie's passing in 1985 left him with a profound void.

Archie found renewed joy and partnership with Marlene Murphy Long. They were married in 1986.  Her warmth and their shared values brought comfort and companionship in his later years.  Their bond was one of mutual respect and quiet strength. Marlene's presence enriched Archie's journey with tenderness and care. He was also preceded in death by daughter Jody Sharretts Rabb (1990), grandsons Todd Eric Nathanson (2020), Daniel Matthew Sharretts (2005), and by his brother (Rodney).

He is survived by his children, Patti McGuire-Romack (Greg), Rose Marie Sharretts Miranda (Carlos), Jon Michael Sharretts (Wanda), Matthew Allen Sharretts (Miriam), and Archie "Doodle" Beaumont Sharretts III, and his stepchildren, Renee Long Needle (Steve) and Scott Long (Carol). In addition, he leaves behind 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one niece and three nephews.

Dr. Sharretts lived a life steeped in purpose, guided by faith that transcended the stage and classroom.  Archie believed every musician held a spark of the Divine. His desire was that every student felt sacred affirmation and taught students to play not only with skill but with soul.

He studied his Bible as he studied a musical score. Like his scores, his Bible is marked with highlighted passages and notes.  He confided that he wasn't quite done here and, very reluctantly, he said goodbye to family and close friends. In the end, he held fast to his faith--believing that it was not the finale as he passed to divine and perfect harmony.

The family would like to thank the Toccoa community for helping Archie follow his path. Special thanks to The Visiting Angels, Amedisys Hospice and The Ladies of Bereavement Committee.

The family will receive friends at Whitlock Mortuary from 5pm – 8pm, Monday, July 14, 2025.

Funeral Services to honor Dr. Sharretts will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Toccoa First Methodist Church.  Immediately following the service, the family invites you to a short committal at Stephens Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force.  Following the committal, the family requests the pleasure of your company at a reception at the Terrell House, 226 E. Savannah Street. This is generously and lovingly hosted by the Ladies of the Bereavement Committee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one or more of the following; Steve Stovall Music Education Fund, 322 Clearview Drive, Toccoa, Ga 30577; Toccoa Orchestra Guild, P.O. Box 893, Toccoa, GA 30577 or at toccoasymphony.org; or to the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter P.O. Box 2182 Toccoa, GA 30577 or at tschs.org.; or to one of Toccoa/Stephens County Charities.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net.

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Dr. Archie Beaumont Sharretts, II.