Dudley Ballard Tharp, 71, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at his home with his beloved wife by his bedside. Dudley was born on January 27, 1947 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky to the late Brack and Miley (Walters) Tharp. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army including a tour in Vietnam followed by serving in The National Guard for eight years. Dudley retired from American Greeting as a semi-truck driver. He was of the Baptist faith. Dudley enjoyed fishing, bowling, Nascar and Indy car racing and was a huge University of Kentucky and University of Georgia fan. He could do anything working with his hands. Dudley was a great husband, father and friend, who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, Dudley is preceded in death by a son, Derick Tharp and four brothers, Louis Tharp, Ansel Tharp, Clyde Tharp and Norman Dale Tharp.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 29 years, Shirlye (Tingle) Tharp of Warner Robins, GA; his son, Douglas (Shannon) Tharp of Wilmington, NC and his bonus children, son, Chris (Sherri) Duvall of Raywick, KY, and three daughters, La Chelle Duvall of Warner Robins, Georgia, Robyn (Gerald) Hobby of Delta, AL and Martie (Doug) Riggs of Gulf Breeze, FL; three sisters, Mary Tharp and Velma (Dwight) Sanders of Harrodsburg, KY, Lois Taylor of Danville, KY; six grandchildren, Kelly, Spencer, Linsey, Bryce, Shelby and Cameron.

There will be a Memorial Service at 1 p.m., Friday, November 9, 2018 at Stith Funeral Home in Danville.   Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.  Military honors will be provided by the Caswell-Saufley American Legion Post # 18.  Visitation will be 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.