Joshua Woodall Tharpe, 28, of 5111 Roberts Road, Winston-Salem, joined the young angels in heaven on Saturday, June 17, 2006, after an ATV accident in Norwalk, Ohio. He was born March 28, 1978. He was employed by AHDRA (All Harley Drag Racing Association) and was manager of RightQuick Graphics Co. Josh is survived by the love of his life, Jessica Sellers Tharpe of the home; his father, Craig Tharpe and wife Kristie; his mother, Terry Ramsbotham and husband Joe; a very special brother, Jacob Tharpe; his grandparents, Frank and Betty Tharpe; his uncle, Marty Tharpe; his aunt, Dare Tharpe; cousins Tucker and Tii Tharpe; and "Little Marty"; his father-in-law, Timothy Sellers, and mother-in-law, Sherry Sellers; a sister-in-law, Kasey; and Jessica's mother, Lesa Gregory; grandparents Edgar and Kay Sellers and Johnny and Barbara Gregory; his "nieces," Ashley Long and Carley Vawter; along with other family members and many friends that he loved extremely. Josh also leaves behind his dogs that he cherished dearly, Bella and Nikko. Although Josh has left us too soon, he led a full life of hard, fast excitement with a lot of love and laughter along the way. He had a very kind heart and carried with him enormous affection for his family and friends. He will be remembered for his humor, hard work, his love for good tattoos, and his devotion to being a wonderful husband and best friend to Jessica. "But the dawn has come into the endless night and everything's going to be alright, but at thirty years of age through frolic and in rage, all regressed and healed in time, I'll be here a while, ain't going nowhere. I'll be here a while." (From Josh's favorite collection - 311 lyrics.) A memorial service for Josh will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Vogler & Sons Funeral Home on Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Josh Tharpe Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 377, Tobaccoville, NC 27050.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brendan N. Slocumb
January 19, 2025
I am so sorry for this loss. Josh was a student of mine. He played tenor saxophone in the band. He was always lighthearted and had a great sense of humor. Im truly sorry to hear of his passing so many years later. God rest his soul.
Kristen Brown-Harris
July 17, 2006
Josh and I grew up together through elementary school and he was such a wonderful friend. He was full of life! Jessica, I know that many people have attempted to say very encouraging things to you in the past month and I truely DO know what you are going through. I lost my husband in May of this year. I know that you don't know me, but I would love to talk to you whenever you are ready. In the meantime, take care of yourself and know that Josh is with you each and everyday.
Andy and Ashley Biggers
July 3, 2006
To the Tharpe Family. Josh was a great friend to us and we are saddened by his passing. He was a good friend and will be missed tremendously. Our prayers go out to you and the whole family.
brittany key
June 29, 2006
i am sorry that happen craig & kristie i am yalls 3rd cusion my parents names are dennis and radakey and my grandma name frances key we are sorry that happen to him god blessyou
Chris Shadrick
June 28, 2006
I have just learned of Josh's passing and wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in my payers and thoughts. May God grant you all Peace.
God Bless
Chris
HEATHER AND JARRETT BROOKE TODD
June 28, 2006
JESSICA AND THARPE FAMILY,
JOSH WILL BE MISSED DEARLY! HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW, LOOKING DOWN ON US. I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH JOSH AND HE WAS A BLESSING TO HAVE AS A FRIEND. MY FIANCE' ALSO KNEW HIM AND WAS GOOD FRIENDS WITH HIM KNOWING HIM FROM CLEANING THE BUILDINGS AT NIGHT AT SPEVCO. JESSICA, I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT I AM SURE YOU WERE THE PERFECT LADY FOR JOSH IF HE CHOSE YOU FOR HIS WIFE AND BEST FRIEND. IF YOU EVER NEED A FRIEND, DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ON US! LOVE YOU GUYS
Candy Nolan Langley Gardner
June 27, 2006
To Terry and Joe: Terry, I didn't know Josh, but have read many loving tributes. Your ,mother, Millicent, and my mother, Ruby Nolan, were very old friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost a child a long time ago, and do know what you are going through. Joe, haven't seen nor heard from you in a long time, but have not forgotten you. Be at peace, and if either of you ever want to be in touch, then do so. Candy
Michael Turner
June 27, 2006
Craig and Terry,
Many years and many miles have seperated us but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Having lost Marla I feel the loss but losing a child must be much worse. May God bless you all and help you get through this difficult time.
Larry & Tatiana Borden
June 27, 2006
Josh was a lucky kid to have such a wonderful family. He (along with his entire family) made Tatiana and I feel like family when we moved to Winston Salem. We were shocked when we heard the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
lucy faile
June 27, 2006
Hello, You all have been in my thoughts and prayers all along, but just heard oif this site and wanted to put in a message. May God give you the peace that He has made possible for us through the blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. Love and Prayers, Lucy Faile and Josh Jennings
Curtis Terry
June 27, 2006
I am so sorry to hear about Josh. I could not help but enjoy being around Josh, he was always so happy and and enthousiastic about everything! Try to keep your head up Jake, that's how Josh would want it.
Teresa Vawter
June 26, 2006
Jessica - Your Josh was a special guy. Know that he touched us all in many ways. I will always remember that sweet "I Love You". He left us way too early, but God always knows best. Even when we don't understand, it is for the best. Know that you and his entire family are in my prayers. I will pray for the pain to ease. Know that with God any and everything is possible. Thanks for allowing us to be part of your and Josh's life. Always know he will be in our memories forever. We love you.
Diana Flavin Day
June 26, 2006
I was taken by surprise when I heard that Josh had passed. I had been keeping up with his progress while he was in the hospital and just the day before heard that he was doing really well. He was a wonderful friend. Seems like just yesterday we were all at senior beach week! I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Amy Gentle Mayton & Travis Mayton
June 26, 2006
Tharpe Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I went to school with Josh from elementary onto high school where we graduated together. He was such a wonderful guy and I'm so glad that I had the chance to know him. May god be with you, you all are in my prayers.
Stephen Caldwell
June 26, 2006
Josh was like a brother and will be missed dearly. He is one of my oldest friends.
Amy Zeller
June 26, 2006
To the family my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with you all in your time of sorrow. Josh will truly be missed by many.
Betsy Hauser
June 25, 2006
May you rest in peace. You left us too soon. Josh was a childhood friend of mine. The last time I saw him was at PetsMart with his wife and dogs. "Say hey to my Daddy up there old friend."
My heart goes out to the Tharpe family. I hope time soon eases the pain you feel inside and that fond memories comfort you and make you smile.
Shirley Joyner
June 25, 2006
Hi Jessica,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Josh.You are a very strong young lady and I know that you will get though this. May God bless you and your family. My prayers go out to you.
Barrie Eldridge
June 25, 2006
Terry, I am shocked to learn of Josh's accident. There are no words to tell you how sorry am I am. No one ever should have to loose a child and there is no way we can be prepared for such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Barrie Eldridge
Linda Lunsford
June 25, 2006
Oh how our lives are so intertwined and the magnitude of how we touch each other is overwhelming. Jessica, my heart aches with you as you grieve the loss of one you loved so dearly. Just know that you and your entire family are being lifted up by many to the throne of God. I pray that God will make Himself very real to you during this difficult time and that His peace and comfort will sustain you.
Lauren Hutchens
June 25, 2006
Dear Craig & Kristie, Terry, Jake, and Jessica and the Tharpe family,
I deepest sympathies to you all for your tradgic loss. God speed to you Josh! Heaven has another wonderful angel to oversee us left behind. Knowing Josh and your family in his early years, cutting all of your hair for years and playing with Josh and Jake for hours with the Proco and Spevco racing thing gave me the privledge to know Josh and the Tharpe family! As years have passed, I have seen Craig in passing and always wanted to know about Josh and Jake! As a young man growing up, Josh had my heart from the first day! What a wonderful personality and always full of laughter and ready to have fun! Watching Josh grow up, I knew he would one day be a great man loved by many. Jessica, bless your heart! Most of all, I remember what a loving son and extremely loving brother Josh was to Jacob! His compassion and tenderness was impressive then, and I am sure he was a wonderful husband! Jake, you hang in there for Josh...thats what he would want you to do. He loved you so very much buddy and was always so proud of his brother! To Craig and Terry and your families; I can only imagine the pain in your heart. Know you are all in my prayers for peace and healing. Hold on to the memories and God's love to see you through this painful and difficult time. Josh was a great man, and friend to many! I am blessed to have known him!
Love and prayerfully yours,
Lauren Shamel (Clayton) Hutchens
Jim Gilmore
June 25, 2006
Terry, My prayers are with you in this time of need.
marsha and steve davis
June 23, 2006
Betty and F.M.
We are thinking of you and family and friends at this sad and tragic time. May God give you all strength..Josh was a blessing to us all.Love you, Marsha and Steve Davis
marsha and steve davis
June 23, 2006
Jessica, I forgot to mention your name in my earlier comment. May you have strength to get through this difficult time. We are so sad to hear about Josh.We are friends
from a long time ago.. Hold on to the memories that you two made together.
Prayers are with all of your family and friends.
Teresa Wood
June 23, 2006
Jessica & Family
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I never met Josh, but from everything I've heard about him, he was a people person. Someone who could brighten any room. When you find yourself in a dark place of saddness, just let those memories of Josh flood in and replace the darkness with his brilliant light. His love for life should be his legacy to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Lisa Cranfill
June 23, 2006
God Speed Josh. We love you.
What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never loose,
for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.
-Helen Keller-
marsha, steve , jason and amanda davis
June 23, 2006
Josh was a bright light and will be missed but not forgotten.His family is in our prayers .
Candace Glenn
June 23, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Angie Tuttle & Matt Dunn
June 23, 2006
Our hearts go out to Jessi and to Josh's entire family. May God bless and keep you during this difficult time. Please know that your friends are here if you need absolutely anything.
David Martin
June 23, 2006
Josh,
For the time I knew Josh. He was a very good man. A great husband and I am going to miss a good friend like him.
Jennifer Miller
June 23, 2006
jessica and family i am soo sorry about what has happend i just found out today. Jessica he truly loved you and i know you loved him. You are in my prayers.
Love you Jennifer
Tammy Phillips
June 23, 2006
Josh was an old friend many years ago to me and over the time I still remember him with happiness and joy of being a kind soul.
My condolences go to all the family.
Tommy Brooks
June 23, 2006
I'm sorry to hear of yours son death. Josh was just a young child when i work for SPEVCO ,but i do remeber him well. I express my condolences to the Tharpe family.
Mary Clare Fox
June 23, 2006
My love and prayers are with Jessica, Terry, Craig, Jake and the entire Tharpe family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I'll see you in "the morning" Josh. I love you buddy.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope....
Libby McKinney
June 23, 2006
I was shocked to learn of Josh's trajic accident. I was his PE teacher at Old Richmond. I saw him some years later at Special Olympics and we talked about his family and his plans for the future. Josh loved to laugh and have a good time. My condolences to the family and his friends. We will miss his presence, but treasure how he touched our hearts.
Sincerely,
Ms. McKinney
Glen, Debbie & Glen J. Wenzel
June 23, 2006
To our dear friends - our deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. We will always remember Josh with great fondness and his ability to laugh and make others laugh. God bless you all and sustain you in your time of grief.
Cathy Baker
June 23, 2006
Josh will be very muched missed!I loved his laughter and his concern for people.God has two great angles in heaven with him now Jessica,Uncle Ricky and Josh they will make a great team.God bless you all and just think God picks the best first! Love Ya Cathy
marsha and steve, jason and amanda davis
June 23, 2006
Josh touched many lives in his short time on earth. His smile and his kindness will always be remembered.He was taken away too soon. Prayers and love are with the family at this sad and difficult time.We have known Josh since he was a baby and he was always funny, polite and a very special person. God Bless.Terry, Craig ,and Jake, may God heal you and give you peace.
Jennie & Matt White
June 23, 2006
Jessica & The Tharpe Family -
We are deeply sadden by the loss of Josh. He was a wonderful friend to Matt and I. Seems like just yesterday he was taking me home from North. He will truly be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Robert Thompson
June 23, 2006
Ms. Betty Tharpe and Family
Ms. Tharpe, I am sorry to hear of the lose of your grandson. I pray your family will heal with God's Grace.
Robert Thompson
former FTI Student
JOEL LUNSFORD
June 23, 2006
JOSH WAS A GOOD FRIEND, HE WILL BE MISSED. ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
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