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