Mr. Charlie Everette Tharpe, age 86, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home. Mr. Tharpe was born June 15, 1928 in Wilkes County to Conard Cornelius and Ada Johnson Tharpe. Charlie was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and a combat veteran of the Korean War. He served in the Army National Guard after the war. He had a 30 year career as a station agent and telegrapher with Norfolk Southern Railway. Charlie was a member and officer of Maple Springs United Methodist Church and the Methodist Men's Club. He was an active supporter and mentor within the community as a member of the Ronda Ruritan Club, a founding member and former treasurer of the Ronda Volunteer Fire Department, and as an East Wilkes High School Booster. Charlie was known for his ability to make people feel comfortable, his sense of humor and devotion to family and friends. Charlie loved his dogs, Trixie and Rocky, and enjoyed being seen riding them around town. He treasured his role as a father, grandfather and uncle. Neal and Sarah are especially grateful to their parents, Charlie and Nina, for providing a loving and supportive home. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Nina Singleton Tharpe; brother, Lewis Tharpe; sisters, Susie Poplin, Ada Lou Dimmette, Ruth Pardue and Frances Key. Survivors include: his son, Charles Neal Tharpe and wife Carole of Mooresville; daughter, Sarah Tharpe Winchell and husband Mark of Greensboro; brothers, Frank Tharpe and wife Betty of Advance, and Conard Tharpe and wife Jean of Mooresville; sisters, Hope Combs of Ronda and June Tharpe of Poquosin, VA; grandchildren, Emily Winchell and Olivia Winchell; many special nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted December 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Springs United Methodist Church in Ronda with Rev. Mark Smith and Rev. Rex Cranfill officiating followed by a reception for family and friends at Maple Springs United Methodist Church. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Woltz Hospice Home and United Methodist Committee on Relief (www.umcor.org).
