May 23, 1951 ~ September 13, 2024

Johnny Hugh Tharpe of Dayton, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Rhea Medical Center after a long illness.  He was 73.  He was a lifelong resident of Rhea County and attended New Union Baptist Church.  Johnny is preceded in death by his parents; the late Cleo Crowe Tharpe (Bobby) Hickman and Manuel Tharpe.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years; Claudia Goins Tharpe, daughter; Marcy (Sammy) Kay, son; Brent (Ashley) Tharpe, granddaughters; Savannah (Garrett) Hill and Sophie Kay, grandson; Turner Tharpe, and great grandson; Brooks Hill, all of Dayton.  Two sisters; Judy (Tom) Herrell, and Vicky Clark, brothers; Larry (Vickie) Tharpe, Tony (Beatte) Hickman all of Evensville and Danny (Tammy) Hickman of Cleveland.

Johnny had a big personality and held nothing back.  He retired from Norfolk Southern Railway as a General Division Engineer.  He traveled with the company for 38 years and his railroad friends were like his extended family.

He was a member of Rhea Springs Lodge #310 and Lodge #512.  He enjoyed the fellowship he had with his lodge brothers.

Johnny enjoyed fishing, riding his tractor, his grandchildren and his little dog Otis.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 17,2024 at 2PM at New Union Baptist Church with Pastor Keath Butt officiating.  Interment with Masonic Services will follow at Rhea Memorial Gardens in Dayton.  The family will receive friends at the church from 12 until the start of the service. 

Coulter Garrison Funeral Home in Dayton is in charge of the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New Union Baptist Church for the Children's Building fund.  The address is 4060 Double S Road Dayton, TN 37321