Arthur Ray Tharpe Sr., 87, of Keysville, died Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

He was a Korean War combat veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He worked as a fuel truck driver at Jenkins Oil Company in Keysville for many years until his retirement.  Arthur Ray never met a stranger and thoroughly enjoyed talking to everyone. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 39 years, Selma Duffer Tharpe, and his second wife of 16 years, Pearl Townsend Tharpe. He is survived by three children, Arthur Ray Tharpe Jr., of Farmville, Michael Dale Tharpe (Tammie), of Charlotte Court House, and Elizabeth Ann Newman (Bob), of Natural Bridge; six grandchildren, Christopher Tharpe (Josie), Jessica Allen, Cody Evans, Jordan Newman, Katelyn Newman, Brianna Newman; four great-grandchildren, Johanna, Isabella, Natalie, Sydney; four siblings, Harvey T. Tharpe, of Charlotte Court House, Cecil Tharpe (Mary) of Clover, Jane Binford (Herbert Jr.) of South Hill, Nancy Smith of Kenbridge. Special family friends include Donnie Hinson of Keysville and Carla of The Woodland, Inc. in Farmville.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 5, 2017 at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville. Burial was held in Lebanon United Methodist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Charlotte County Rescue Squad. 

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.