THARPE, MELVIN B., age 84, of Birmingham, passed away Wednesday, September 07, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Vera Tharpe; and sisters, Ruth Jones and Evelyn Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sarah E. Tharpe; son, William M Tharpe (Sara); daughters, Leigh T. Matthews (John), Linda Osborne (Bill) and Beth Dowdy; grandchildren, DeChiara Tharpe, Jennifer O. White, Courtney Osborne, Marissa Champion and Skylar Champion; and great-granddaughter, Ava Champion. Melvin graduated from Phillips High School, attended the University of Alabama, then served in the Navy on the USS Boston during WWII, and was a member of the American Legion. His family will receive friends on Friday, September 9, 2011 at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel from 5-7 PM. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Elmwood Cemetery beginning at 3 PM.
