Henry Lee Tharpe Sr., was born July 25, 1944 to the Late Noble and Gertrude Williams Tharpe. Henry confessed his faith at an early age and graduated from Webb High School in McKenzie, TN. Henry went into the Navy at age 17 and served in Vietnam. Later he moved to Pasadena California and lived there most of his adult life and worked as a boiler operator for the State of California. Henry loved to cook and his carrot cake was a family favorite. Later he moved to Memphis and worked for U.T. Health and Science and Quebecor. In 2007 he met his beloved Paula Sample-Tharpe and two were united in marriage in 2011. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Noble and Gertrude Tharpe; a sister, Wilma Dean Jennings, and a brother, Noble Tharpe, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Paula Sample-Tharpe; one son, Henry L. Tharpe Jr.; one daughter, Lisa Faultry (Joey); a grandson, Bradford H. Tharpe; a step daughter, Myesha Oliver; a stepson, Cedric Johnson; four step-granddaughters: Britteny and Briunna Boudreaux, Tykira and Tania Johnson; one step grandson, Michael Wallace III; one step great granddaughter, Makenzie Clark; his mother in law, Anna Sample; two sisters, Earline and Alice Tharpe; a brother, Eldon Tharpe (Alma). Henry also leaves behind his best friend, Litdell Gales and a host of nieces and nephews. A visitation for Henry will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church, 4450 Knight Arnold, Memphis, TN 38118. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 4450 Knight Arnold, Memphis, TN 38118. A committal service will occur Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM at West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Tharpe family.
