One of the great, gentle souls to ever preach, teach and live the Word of God, Minister Charles Lee Tharp, entered the Church Triumphant on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from his residence in Tupelo after an 82 year earthly pilgrimage. Born in Knox Hill, Florida on September 19, 1936 to the late Leroy Jackson and Cecile Vaneta Brannon Tharp, Charles grew up there and attended the public schools. He graduated from Bay County High School and continued his education earning his BA from Troy State University and ultimately receiving his Masters of Art Degree at Alabama Christian University in Montgomery, Ala. After a stint in the U. S. Air Force, Charles married his “first” wife as he always introduced her, Frances Toole Tharp on July 29, l960 in Florida, a marriage of 57 years. His early career was in finance before entering ministry in the Churches of Christ. His service included congregations in Florida and Tennessee. He became minister of West Main Church of Christ in Tupelo in l975 and stayed there for 19 years. His last Church was Aberdeen Church of Christ., an interim position that lasted 10 years. Charles began ministering in Russia in l992 and even taught Russian Cosmonauts English and History while in mission work there. He served as a founding member, Director and Dean of the Syktivkar School of Bible Studies in Russia, a passion and a blessing to him. Known as a keen scholar of the Bible, Minister Tharp’s greatest contribution to his congregations and to humanity in general was his kind, soft spoken unconditional love for everyone, his strict adherence to the Golden Rule and his talent for encouragement and hope to all. Charles enjoyed painting, fishing and studying his Bible. With his ministry here complete, he met his Savior face to face on Tuesday evening with an assured welcome- “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Minister Doug Greenway officiating. Dub Hill will deliver personal reflections. Private burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 PM-7PM today, Thursday and from 1 PM-service time on Friday all at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving their friends.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Toole Tharp of Tupelo. a son, Charles Lee “Chuck” Tharp, Jr (Jennifer) of Mooreville. , two daughters, Kimberlee Ann Renfroe and Pamela Cecile Tharp both of Tupelo. A sister, Anna Lorene Lee of Wewahitchka, Fla. 6 beloved grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa; Emily Elizabeth Renfroe, Anna Katherine Renfroe. Charles Lee Tharp, III (Mollie), Amanda Cecile Tharp, Ashlee Ann Renfroe and Morgan Lynn Tharp. His great grands, Channing Lee, Melanie and Holt Charles due in February, 2019 and a remaining aunt, Bonnie Sutton of Florida.
Pallbearers will be David Bridges, Jimmy Spencer, Danny and David Cox, Bob Llewellyn, Todd Wilemon, Dwight McComb and John Allmond.
Memorials may be made to the West Main Church of Christ, 2460 West Main St., Tupelo, MS. 38801.
