Paul "Kermit" Tharpe

Kermit proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961-1963. He served in Germany and other countries overseas. He was a member of the VFW. Kermit worked for RJ Reynolds as a factory supervisor for over 30 years. He attended NC State professional program.

He was an avid car collector, owning many Corvettes, Camaros, and Thunderbirds over the years. Kermit and his wife, Shirley, loved to attend and show their collection at car shows. Kermit also loved to travel, especially with his family. They visited 46 states including, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as 20 countries throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Kermit enjoyed camping, cruising, spending time at the beach, and visiting the mountains in their Airstream. He was a lifelong UNC Tarheel basketball fan. Kermit always looked forward to attending the games with his son, Derrick.

Kermit leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Shirley Brown Tharpe; son, Derrick (Kristine) Tharpe; grandchildren, Jordan Tharpe, Jackson Coates, and Sean Coates; brothers, Harry Lee Tharpe and Barry Tharpe; and many other nieces, nephews, and loved ones. In addition to his parents, Kermit was preceded in death by his siblings, Eloise Baldwin and Billy Tharpe.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 8th at 3pm at Forsyth Memorial Park in the mausoleum chapel. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to Trellis Supportive Care.