Emil Cecil Tharpe

Mr. Emil Cecil Tharpe of Clover passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at his home. He was born in Charlotte County, VA on June 21, 1935 and was 90 years old. He was the son of the late Jesse Ray Tharpe and the late Mary Lipscomb Tharpe and was married for 68 years to Mary Vassar Tharpe who survives. He was a member of the Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church and a 30-year member of Gleaning for the World. He was the proprietor for over 30 years of the Scuffletown Market and in later years he worked at Gravitt’s Supermarket in South Boston. He also served his country as a US Army Veteran.

Survivors include: His wife of 68 years Mary Vassar Tharpe of the home; three daughters, Debra T. Crews (Victor) of Long Island, VA, Teresa T. Matters of Manassas, VA,  Angela T. Privette (Willie) of Clover; siblings, Jane T. Binford of South Hill, VA,  Nancy T. Smith of Kenbridge, VA; four grandchildren, Josh Crews, Christopher Ting, Nikki Catron and Alyssa Kurtz; nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren

He was also preceded in death by siblings, James Cleveland Tharpe, Elizabeth T. Hudson, Arthur Ray Tharpe, Harvey Thomas Tharpe and Joyce T. Moorefield; two brothers-in-law Herbert Binford and William Smith; and sister-in-law, Shirley T. Batte. 

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Texera and Rev. David Moreno officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites.

The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service and other times at his home.

Online condolences may be made at www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592.