Max Tharpe Obituary

Max Bailey Tharpe went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Max was the second son born to James Edward Tharpe Sr. and Jamie Bailey Tharpe, in Statesville, on Feb. 18, 1920. Mr. Tharpe died June 2, 1929. Mrs. Tharpe later remarried Richard H. Burgess who died May 11, 1966. An older brother James Edward Tharpe Jr., and a younger brother, Wesley Bailey Tharpe, both preceded him in death. Max served in World World II stateside as a crew chief on B-24 bombers. After being discharged from the Army Air Corps he studied photography at the Art Institute of Chicago. Max graduated in 1947 and began a 20-year photography career that won him numerous awards, as well as the hearts of the people he photographed, their families, and all who viewed his wonderful artistry. Max enjoyed his 30 years of membership at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and served as resident photographer, Evangelism Trainer, Lay Counselor, mentor and friend to many young people throughout his time at the church. Max would want everyone reading his obituary to know that he is in heaven with God now, not because of any of the good things he did in his lifetime, but solely because he accepted the death of Jesus Christ in his place and as payment for his sin, and made peace with God through accepting the finished work of Christ on the Cross. Funeral services for Max will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Statesville in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Harmony. Friends may from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Nicholson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Statesville friends are asked to donate to the Max B. Tharpe Library Restoration Project at Mitchell Community College in Statesville. A memorial service will be planned in the future for Ft. Lauderdale friends to honor Max's life. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Tharpe.

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Published by Statesville Record & Landmark on Jul. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Max Tharpe

6 Entries

Brenda Herkert

July 16, 2010

I knew Max during his years at CRPC and at the Greenhouse. He was a wonderful and Jesus loving person. He was always kind to me and to all he knew. Brenda Herkert (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Judy Winters Cain

July 14, 2010

Max Tharpe was a household name in Statesville when I was growing up. He was a frequent visitor to Davie Avenue school, and I remember his perching at the top of the slide, taking pictures of children as they waited on the ladder for their turn to slide down. I was in one of those pictures, along with, I think, Tommy Furr. Max captured the looks of joy and anticipation on our faces. He was such a master at that. I never heard a negative word about Max, and I know my parents admired and liked him very much.

July 14, 2010

Max was an advocate for young people and their familes. Over time he reached iconic status and the captured memories he provided for thousands will live on forever. Those of us that did, are fortunate to have known the great man, Max Tharpe.

Ralph Hoover

July 13, 2010

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Barbara Dotson Garrison

July 13, 2010

Max Tharpe is a delightful memory in my childhood growing up in Statesville. Max and his mother, Jamie, would walk up and down West Front Street where they lived. My grandmother Dotson, who also lived on West Front Street 4doors up from them , had a wonderful front porch where neighbors like Max and Jamie would gather and just talk.Many a Sunday afternoon was spent doing just that with the two of them. There was always a smile on his face and a kind word. He loved children and you always knew , as a child, that he would acknowledge you and take your picture doing the most mundane thing.He was a genius and an artist whose works will be remembered long after his passing because he knew how to capture the heart of his subjects, their passions, and he never failed to honor his subjects with respect and dignity.I was so pleased to hear that the people of Statesville have finally recognized one of ours and given him the honor he deserves. God is surely smiling today as one of His children has come home. I will always remember you, Max Tharpe, for the fine southern gentleman that you were. Godspeed.

July 13, 2010

Statesville lost a true gentleman with the passing of Max Tharpe...He took pictures of me as a child and know that he cared about all those that he came in contact with...So many of us have that memory of him just walking with his camera around his neck and before you know it he as taken your picture with your friends or by yourself and has caught another moment in time...Pictures do say a million works just by their presents....I will always rememeber him....Mac Price(Wilmington NC)

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