Colonel Charles Bonner "Sonny" Tharp Retired

Georgetown ~ Colonel (Ret.) Charles "Sonny" Bonner Tharp, 95, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, February 5th, at Georgetown Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Macon, Georgia, on September 8, 1929, Sonny was the eldest of two sons born to his beloved parents, Mary Ethel Tomlinson Tharp and Chonnie Bonner Tharp. Sonny graduated from Lanier High School in 1947, where he was a leader in the Junior Army ROTC Cadet Corps, a manager of the baseball team, a local tennis star for Lanier's varsity team, and a lifeguard for the Macon City Parks System. He went on to attend Mercer University in Macon, graduating in 1951. During his time there, Sonny was a member of the Senior Army ROTC program, the varsity tennis team, and the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, he was designated a distinguished military graduate and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army of the United States. Sonny dedicated his life to serving as a career Army officer for twenty-seven years. He served in combat as an artillery officer with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. After returning home, he completed Airborne School and, at the age of 30, successfully completed the challenging Army Ranger course. Sonny served in various military assignments across the U.S., Germany, and Korea. Notably, he was appointed as the military aide to the Under Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon. From 1969 to 1970, he again served in combat as an artillery battalion commander and division staff officer with the First Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. Promoted to full Colonel, he became a key staff officer at the Pentagon, where he played an integral role in implementing the transition to an all-volunteer Army. He earned a Master's Degree from Shippensburg State University in Pennsylvania in 1972. After retiring from the Army in 1977, Sonny worked as Vice President of Hennage Creative Printers in Alexandria, VA, and later as a self-employed real estate appraiser in Northern Virginia. Throughout his professional career, he balanced his work with his devotion to caring for his youngest son, Tracy. Sonny's greatest joy was his marriage to Marlyn Jo Vaughn, the love of his life. Their enduring bond resulted in nearly 73 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together, they raised three sons, whom they loved unconditionally, and who returned that love deeply. During Sonny's military career, the family moved 17 times across the United States and Germany. After retirement, Sonny and Jo found a permanent home in Pawleys Island, SC, where they continued to travel and enjoy life together. Upon retirement, Sonny and Jo became active members of their community and Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Georgetown. Sonny volunteered for the County Development Board and worked as a Federal census worker. He particularly enjoyed playing golf regularly until his mid-80s, and in 2002, he made a rare achievement-a "hole-in-one" from 155 yards at Pawleys Plantation Golf Club. Wherever they lived, Sonny and Jo often hosted family and friends, creating welcoming and warm environments for gatherings and celebrations. Sonny is survived by his sons, J. Gregory Tharp (Laura) of Pawleys Island, SC, and Marc Bonner Tharp of Fort Pierce, FL. He was preceded in death by his dear wife of nearly 73 years, Marlyn Jo Tharp, his much-loved youngest son, Tracy Tomlinson Tharp, and his younger brother, Thomas Eason Tharp. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jeff Tharp (Laura), Bryan Tharp (Anna-Marie), Kaelyn Tharp Warden (Daniel), Ashley Tharp, and Courtney Tharp, as well as great-grandchildren Fisher Tharp, Audrey Tharp, Emily Tharp, and Sonny Tharp. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters-in-law Janet (Swymer) Tharp (the late Tommy Tharp) and Jacquelyn (Vaughn) McCants (the late Jimmy McCants), and many nieces and nephews whom he cherished. Sonny often described life events as "dynamic," "superb," and a "blow for freedom," always bringing smiles to those who were nearby. He will be remembered for his joyful and loving nature, his unwavering faith, and his positive approach to life. His family finds comfort in the legacy of his love and his quiet faith in the Lord's blessings and forgiveness. Sonny truly was a happy warrior. The family extends its gratitude for the compassionate care Sonny received from caregivers in his home, Arbor Landing of Pawleys Island, and Georgetown Memorial Hospital. A memorial service will be held at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 15th, at 1:00 pm, with the Rev. Dr. Dora Gafford officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Pennyroyal Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday evening, February 14th, at the Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home, Georgetown Chapel, 222 St James St, Georgetown, SC 29440. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church Please sign the guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com. The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Tharp family To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Colonel Charles, please visit our Tree Store.