Arthur William Sharland

Arthur W. (‘Art’ to some and ‘Artie’ to others) Sharland of Bridgewater laid aside his earthly tent and took hold of his Heavenly prize on Friday morning, March 7, 2025.  He was 69 years old. 
 
Born on February 4, 1956 to the late Richard H. and Doris E. (Angell) Sharland, Artie was raised in Raynham where he attended public schools and graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham High School in 1974.  For as blessed as we are by his birth into this world, it was his rebirth in Jesus Christ that meant everything to him!  Artie surrendered his life and received Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord on November 11, 1976 at 11p.m. - a date that he never forgot, and always cherished.  Christ was his life, and Heaven was (and now is) his Home! 
 
His second-best decision (next to coming to Christ) was marrying the love of his life, Gale (Cap), with whom he 
shared 45 beautiful years of a Christ-centered marriage.  Having met at First Baptist Church in No. Middleboro, 
they were married in that same church on June 16, 1979 and faithfully attended and served there together ever 
since.  Artie devoted his life to serving the Lord at First Baptist through countless ways - as deacon, trustee, 
custodian, leader of the prayer ministry, spiritual mentor and, most recently, as Elder.  This fun-loving guy was a 
vessel through which God reached generations of kids for Christ, whether in the church or in his neighborhood.  
He never shied away from an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus, to encourage them in the faith or to lift 
someone up in prayer.  To many, he was ‘Uncle Artie.’   
 
From an early age, Artie developed and maintained a love for motorcycles and good music - Pink Floyd being his 
favorite!  His love for motorcycles was embraced by Gale as the two enjoyed countless adventures both near and 
far on the bike.  As time went on, those adventures were enjoyed in the car - with the top down - and usually 
involved somewhere along the coast, or just a drive for ice cream.  His love for music never wavered.  He loved a 
good concert anytime, anywhere with anyone.  Usually these involved a trip to The Narrows in Fall River or The 
Spire in Plymouth.   
 
Artie spent most of his work years as a warehouse shipper.  He was employed for many years at Emerson & 
Cuming and later at Equal Exchange and Double E.  In his later years, he was a taxi driver for Superior Taxi in 
Middleboro, and would even go on to start his own side business, Odds By Art.  He could be found doing just 
about anything - painting, installing windows, repair work…you name it!  He was always proud of his earlier 
days of cutting the grass and maintaining the beauty of the Titicut Green in No. Middleboro. 
 
Artie’s life was not without its challenges, yet they were always met with steadfast faith in and unwavering focus 
upon the Lord Jesus Christ.  From a very young age, Artie fought a relentless battle with Tourette Syndrome.  
The onset of his Tourettes came at a time when it was often difficult to diagnose, and Artie waited a number of 
years to finally receive that diagnosis.  Just over five years ago, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and, a 
few years later, another form of cancer.  Even in the midst of a transplant, years of treatments and transfusions 
and his ongoing battle with Tourettes (of which he said was even worse for him than having cancer), he 
continued strong…even when his physical strength was fading.  He faced it all - with Christ before him and his 
beautiful wife beside him!  
 
In addition to his wife, Gale, he leaves behind a sister, Roxanne Copeland (Brad) of Indiana, and two brothers, 
Jack Sharland (Linda) of Bridgewater, and Jimmy Sharland (Nancy) of Lakeville; and his brother-in-law, Brian 
Cap of Bridgewater, who was a close friend and like a brother to Artie.  He was predeceased by his brother and 
buddy, Robert (Chet) Sharland on March 15, 2024.  He also leaves behind several nephews and nieces, countless 
friends and his Church Family. 
 
 Seeing that Artie is more alive than ever before, there’s no funeral - just a Celebration of Life!  Calling Hours will 
be on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9-11:30a.m. at the First Baptist Church of North Middleboro (111 Plymouth 
Street; corner of Route 18 and Plymouth St); the Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:30a.m.  Artie had 
requested that everyone dress casually!   In lieu of flowers, you’re invited to bring daffodil bulbs that Gale will 
plant by the flagpole at home, in the ‘Artie Sharland Memorial Garden.’   
 
At Artie’s request, please consider making a donation to the charity that held a special place in his heart - 
Tourette Association of America - by clicking: https://secure.everyaction.com/_UenJReuik-CA5GrR0zqIg2
 
Rest well, Artie…until we meet again! 

For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistChurchNorthMiddleboro

(please 'like' and 'follow' the page in order to view the service.)  It will also be uploaded to www.fbcnm.org later that day.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arthur William Sharland, please visit our floral store.