Funeral services for Billy Joe Tharp, Sr., age 69 of Brownwood, will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 23, 2019, in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial with military honors will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park.

Billy passed from this life on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 in an Abilene hospital.

Billy was born in Brownwood to Johnnie T. and Mary Alice (Sawyer) Tharp.  He graduated from Early High School and attended Tarleton State College.  He served four years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic.  Billy retired from 3M Company after 35 years.  He loved traveling, camping, fishing and hunting, but most of all, he loved his family.  His sons meant the world to him, and the grandchildren were the light of his life, with each generation getting sweeter.

Billy was a kind and generous man.  He was always willing to lend a hand or help out financially, and very generous with his wisdom.  Most conversations turned into learning experiences with him telling you how to do it correctly, better, or easier.

Billy loved animals and over the years had many special fur babies.  He loved all kids and got a real kick out of it when they would think he was Santa because of his white beard and belly.

We will all miss this wonderful man, but know he is now in a place without pain and suffering.

Billy is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sherry Thompson Tharp; two sons, Billy “Joe” Tharp, Jr. and wife Kaye and Chris Tharp; four grandchildren, Ryan Tharp, Mitchell Tharp and wife Kelcy, Julia Sullivan and Jenna Dean; four great-grandchildren, Maddox Mendoza, Rush and Rylan Tharp and Nate Gaines; a brother, Johnny Ray Tharp, two sisters-in-law, Denise Tharp and Kay Boyd and a brother-in-law, Eddie Thompson and wife Gloria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Suzette Quick and a brother, Chester Jack Tharp.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Billy’s memory to Good Samaritan Ministries, The Corrine T. Smith Animal Center, The American Diabetes Association or The National Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Condolence, memories and tributes can be offered to the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.net