Jeffery Ray Tharpe, Sr.

Jeffery R. Tharpe, Sr., was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was born June 23, 1958 to the late Alma Jones and James B. Tharpe. He was the baby in his group of siblings, Barbara, Jimmy, Gwen, and Genia.

At an early age, he joined Mr. Vernon Baptist Church in Macon, GA and later joined Second Calvary Baptist Church after moving to Va. Beach, VA. Jeffrey attended Unionville Elementary School, Ballard Hudson Middle School, and Southwest High School. He continued his education at Georgia College where he would become a member of the Imperial Bachelors (I.B.S). After college, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1979. Jeffery served as an Engine man for 15 years.

While serving this is where he would meet his future wife, Kimberly Ussery. They were married on July 3, 1982 by the late Rev. Curtis Raines, Sr. and to this union two children were born, Jeffrey R. Tharpe II (36) and Kimber Lyness Tharpe (29).

Jeff, as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, loved to be around his family and was often cracking jokes at the expense of others and creating smiles wherever he went. He loved to be either on two wheels cruising the streets of Virginia or under a car turning a wrench. He was a joy to be around and would often tell you what you needed to hear instead of what you wanted to hear. He was an endearing family man until his left this earth.

On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Jeffery departed this earthly life. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gwendolyn Tharpe Dugger; father-in-law, James T. Ussery; brother-in-law, Rev. Curtis Raines Sr; two nephews, Nolan Ussery, Bryant W. Raines; and aunt, Freddie Clayton of Macon, GA.

Jeffery leaves to cherish his loving memories to his wife of 39 years, Kimberly Tharpe; 2 children, Jeffery Tharpe II (Maria), Kimber Tharpe both of VA; granddog, Benji; 4 siblings, Barbara Tharpe Raines, Jimmy Tharpe Jr (Gwen), Genia Tharpe Reid (Douglas), Lisa Green all of Macon, GA; aunt, Catherine Denton of Newark, NJ; brother-in-law, James T. Ussery Jr; sister-in-law, Manuvelita Gugliotta (Giacoma); mother-in-law, Geraldine Ussery (Hill); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss him dearly.