A Carter County law enforcement officer who spent nearly four decades in service to his community passed away Monday following an illness.

The Carter County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday that Lt. Forest Banks Sharpe had died. In a statement released by the department the CCSO said they were saddened to learn of Sharpe’s passing.

Sharpe began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1980 after being hired as a jailer. He served under six different sheriffs during his career, and held leadership positions for patrol and corrections.

“Forest and I took the Civil Service Test together when we first started,” Sheriff Dexter Lunceford said. “I knew him for a long time, both professionally and as a friend. I will miss him, and so will the Sheriff’s Office.”

“We grew up in the same community,” Lunceford added. “I’ve known him basically all his life. He will be missed. Everyone liked him.”

According to Lunceford, Sharpe was well liked by his fellow deputies for his gentle nature and deep sense of humor.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Sharpe’s family, friends, and the many deputies who had the privilege of working with him at the Sheriff’s Office,” Lunceford said.