Rex Abraham Tharp, Jr., age 80, of Unionville, Virginia, died on January 16, 2025 in a Virginia hospital surrounded by loved ones. His long struggle with congestive heart failure was finally over and God in his mercy took him home.

He was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania to Rex Abraham Tharp Sr and Martha Jane Wance Tharp in 1944. Rex is preceded in death by his father, his mother, his sister Ruth Black, and is survived by his brother Larry Tharp, his sister Linda Gilden and his wife Betty Bird Tharp.

He attended Waynesburg High School and Penn Commercial College before acquiring a job with the Federal Government as a civilian in Washington, D.C. Rex retired from Federal Government with 37 years of service. He worked as a clerk for the U.S. Coast Guard, then worked as a computer systems analyst for General Services Administration, the D.C. Unemployment Compensation Board, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rex and Betty have three children, Christopher Tharp (Kellie), Amy LaFleur (Gary), and Jeffrey Tharp (Vicki). They have been blessed with seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, each one unique and giving pleasure to Rex's life.

Rex was a devoted father, using his athletic skills and abilities toward coaching his sons' basketball and baseball teams, and umpiring baseball games. He was also active in a bowling league and played a hacker's golf game. Rex will always be remembered for his love of family, his love of sports and his quick wit and humor. His knowledge of the little league baseball handbook was impressive, and his coaching enthusiasm in basketball earned him a reputation with referees.

Rex was greatly loved and gave great love. He will be surely missed. He is now resting in the hands of his Heavenly Father.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 24, from noon until 1:00 p.m. at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm at Laurel Hill Funeral Home followed by a burial at Laurel Hill Memorial Park at 2:00pm.