Johnnie Ray Tharp

Our beloved father, Popo, and friend, Johnnie Ray Tharp, age 81, of Granbury, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025. Funeral services for Johnnie will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, January 20, at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.
Johnnie was born on May 9, 1943, in Brownwood to Mary Alice and Johnnie T. Tharp. He attended and graduated from Early High School in 1961. He attended Howard Payne University for two years until he enlisted into the United States Navy. Johnnie served his country for two tours from 1965 - 1967. He was a JLJ Talker, ship store keeper, and worked on a guided missile destroyer on the USS Buchanan. Johnnie received a Marksmanship Award while serving his country. After being honorably discharged, Johnnie worked for General Dynamics, Dawn Development, and later was a self-employed contractor. In his youth, was a member of the Tyrants Racing Club, and the Golden Gloves.
Johnnie is survived by his son, Brandon Tharp and wife Joanna; daughter Tara Hix and husband Joe; five grandchildren, Jordan P. Ebeling (Tharp), Katie Tharp, Macy N. Zell (Tharp), Landry Hix, Lexy Hix, and Heather Hix; two great grandchildren, Emmalynn Hix and Cayden Hix; sister in laws, Sherry Tharp and Denise Tharp; and previous wife and mother of his children, Virginia Osborne. He is also survived by numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Mary Alice Tharp; brothers, Chester Tharp and Billy Joe Tharp; sister, Suzette Quick; aunt and uncle, Louise and Chester Pete Sawyer.