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Willie Tharpe Obituary
Merritt Island, FL
On Memorial Day, May 26th, 2014, heaven was enriched as Willie Cleo Tharpe, Jr. entered peacefully into eternal life. Willie passed away after a 2½ year battle with leukemia
He was born on Good Friday, April 7, 1939 in Ailey, GA. In 1945 the family moved to Merritt Island. Willie graduated from Cocoa High School in 1957 where he was a stellar athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track setting the orange belt conference record for the 440 yard dash in 1957. He was also Orange Jubilee King and Class President.
Willie attended the University of Florida but could not finish due to his mother's illness. He managed Myrt's Restaurant until his mother's recovery. He then joined Boeing's Apollo program team becoming their S-IC Stage Liaison Engineer. Following the Apollo program, Willie worked for Braun Cadillac in Orlando before establishing W T Wire & Cable. He and his wife, Dawn relocated to Fayetteville, NC for a brief period of time where he sold cars at Hendrick Chrysler Jeep. Willie could be seen on many tennis courts and the Rockledge Golf course for 50 years before moving to Daytona Beach. Willie always had a big smile, warm hug and great sense of humor.
Among those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dawn; daughters, Renee Staheim (Larry), Tracey Naster; and son, Will (Paula); stepdaughter, Kerry and stepson, Scott; sisters, Quida, Charlotte, Sue (Merle); and brothers, Roy (Barb) and Danny (Reb); and seven grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews. Willie is predeceased by his mother, Myrtice; father, Willie; and sister, Bobbie Jean.
There will be a celebration of his life and sharing of memories, June 7th at 3 p.m. at the Oceans Grand Condo Social Room, 2 Oceans West Blvd., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie Tharpe
Carolyn Griggs Moore
August 18, 2021
So deeply sorry to see this after so many years. I knew Willie when my cousin Sandy Owen's worked as a hostess at Myrts Restaurant in 1957.
August 6, 2014
Willie was loved by many people. I met him our senior year and he was immediatly one of my life long friends... We will miss him dearly..June Chambers Makowski
Charlie Butler
June 17, 2014
I only met Willie two times after a few Tiger football games. He was very friendly and engaging to say the least.
I am extremely sorry for your loss. I know that you will miss him greatly. My older brother also died from cancer.
May God bless all of you and give you peace and understanding in the coming years.
Charlie Butler
Patricia Barnett
June 13, 2014
As life goes on we lose friends along our way. It almost makes you want to not have them so you never feel the pain. But then If I had never had Mr Wilie in my life My life would not have been as full with his smile and humor. I'll miss him dearly but cherish memories of him and Dawn always
Diana Fike
June 12, 2014
Always a smile, always positive in thoughts. I will miss you Willie and you will never be forgotten. With sadness but a lot of memories to cherish. Diana Fike
Robert Watson
June 12, 2014
One of the best at all that he did. Will be truly missed but never forgotten.
Debby
June 10, 2014
The only man other than my dad who could make me melt with his hug. RIP my friend.
Theresa Mcandrew
June 9, 2014
Willie you were a great friend I miss our talks and our laughs at the rec center you will always be in our Hearts and we have great memories I love and miss you my thoughts and prayers to your Daughter and the rest of your Family an Friends the lord got another great Angel and I was blessed to have known you!
lisa gall
June 7, 2014
willie just too come where I work he will be miss
Carolyn Burby
June 7, 2014
To the Tharpe family: I was so very sorry to hear of Willie's passing. He was a friend of my husband Gordon, first, during the early Saturn/Apollo days, and quickly warmed my heart with his fabulous (and sometimes a bit crazy) sense of humor. May you find comfort in knowing that caring thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you.
michael campanale
June 7, 2014
So Long Willie, my Schnebly Center work-out-pal... Your Big Smile & Gracious Personality will surely be missed... See ya later, at the Great Fitness Room In Heaven.... mvc
Judy Griffis
June 5, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Willies's passing..Fondly remembering him walking the halls of Cocoa High with that wonderful smile and happy personality always kind to us underclassmen he was such a nice man...Mick and I extend to all the family our deepest sympathis Mick & Judy (Parker) Griffis
June 4, 2014
To The Tharpe Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. In 1958 thru 1962 I worked for Myrt's restaurant. Your family became my family. Even tho its been a few yrs. since we have been back to Cocoa, We think of you so often. Willie was like a brother to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Al & Sandy (Owens) Bourk
Belleville, MI
Pegi Marsh
June 3, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Willi was a great guy! I always enjoyed our talks after he played tennis at Swiss.
Carolyn Griggs Moore
June 3, 2014
To the family of Willie Tharpe. I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Willie many years ago around 1957/58. My cousin Sandy Owens worked as a hostess at Myrt's Restaurant and I got to know Willie, Myrt and Bill. Willie was always a lot of fun. He had a great sense of humor. I just found out he was at Mosquito Beaters last year and I didn't know he was there. So sorry to have missed him. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dede Gibney
June 2, 2014
Dawn, I am so sorry to hear of Willie's passing. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. If I can be of any help please call on me.
June 2, 2014
Uncle Willie - You were always one of the coolest! I love you - Todd Tharpe
Margaret & Jerry Stadler
June 2, 2014
Willie was such a great guy, always smiling, just one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He will be missed by all.
June 1, 2014
RIP Willie. One of the nicest persons I ever met. G. A. Scott
Priscilla Firkins Southworth
June 1, 2014
So glad I got to see Willie at the 2013 Mosquito Beaters. All the years I knew him, he was always the same sweet guy! He will definitely be missed by so many!
June 1, 2014
Wayne Watson Ann Watson
Barbara Burke
June 1, 2014
RIP Willie one of my favorite cousins"
Barbara Mills
June 1, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Willie's passing. I am so glad to have seen him a couple of years ago at Mosquito Beaters. All of the Tharpe boys were such an intricate part of Cocoa High. I know he will be missed very much by his family & friends. God Bless You All.
June 1, 2014
I remember big Willie, as we called him, he was almost like a big brother, coming from a small town we all knew each other and looked after each other . He was a really good soul and I am sure all his blood relations will miss him dearly
JOAN GRAY GRIFFIES
June 1, 2014
WILLIE WAS ALWAYS ONE OF MY FAVORITE CLASSMATES. WE ENJOYED TENNIS TOGETHER AND KEPT IN TOUCH OVER THE YEARS AT CLASS REUNIONS.
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