Thearn "TH" H. Ellis Jr.

Born on September 5, 1945, in Maple Fork, West Virginia, Thearn was the oldest of seven children. He was a 1963 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and briefly attended Bluefield State College before joining the United States Army in 1964. He proudly served three years in Germany.

Following his military service, Thearn earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education from West Virginia Institute of Technology. He later earned a master’s degree in Vocational-Technical Education from Marshall University and completed 40 hours toward his doctoral degree in Industrial Arts. He was also a master electrician, a member of the civil air patrol for several years, and in the 1980's, published a book of Civil War poetry.

Thearn began his teaching career at Beckley Junior High School and Woodrow Wilson High School before accepting a position as a professor of Industrial Arts at West Virginia Institute of Technology. He remained at WV Tech until his retirement in 2002, shaping the lives of countless students through his dedication to education.

In addition to his academic career, Thearn continued his military service with the Army National Guard, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his time with the Guard, he served during the Buffalo Creek Disaster of 1972 and accepted a special one-year assignment at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania as an ROTC instructor. Throughout his military career, he received numerous certifications and commendations in recognition of his service.

In retirement, Thearn devoted himself to his lifelong passion for antiquing and collecting. He owned and managed Carpet Baggers Antique Mall before founding New River Antique Mall in Fayetteville, West Virginia, which he operated until his passing, assisted by his friend Steve during the final months. He was also one of the original vendors at Snoopers Antique Mall in Wytheville, Virginia. Known affectionately as “TH” in the antique community, he could often be found at flea markets on weekends alongside his best friend Joe and his nephew Lee.

Thearn also had a deep love for music. He enjoyed accompanying his son-in-law, GW, at the Beckley Moose Lodge, dancing with his friend Veda, and even singing karaoke on occasion.

Thearn was preceded in death by his father, Thearn Ellis Sr.; his mother, Merle Hurt Ellis; his brother, John Ellis; one niece; and three nephews.

He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Whittaker (George); granddaughters, Preslei and Brylee Whittaker; sisters, Pat Duncan (Jerry), Drema Thompson, Brenda Morrison (Rick), Barbara Milam, and Edie Rose; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral service for Thearn on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 2 PM at Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Mann officiating. The family will receive visitors 2 hours prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens beside of his former wife and friend, Sheila Richmond Ellis.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Bowers Hospice House and Hospice of Southern WV for their excellent care and support.

Pallbearers will be George Whittaker, Lee Pack, Michael Phillips, Joe Beitz, Jack Richmond, and Ben Ward.