William Blaine Tharpe, Sr.

The passing of a truly exceptional man, William Blaine Tharpe, Sr., is announced with heavy hearts. He departed this life on August 4th, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in Port St. Joe, Florida, on September 22, 1944, he was a man of immense character, whose infectious passion and unwavering loyalty touched countless lives.

While he eventually settled in Birmingham as a high-school sophomore, his heart forever remained anchored in Port St. Joe.

He was a devoted family man, always prioritizing his loved ones. As a role model for his children and grandchildren, he instilled values of fairness, decency, and hard work, demonstrating them in every aspect of his life. His fiercely loyal nature meant he would always stand up for what was right, and those around him respected his calm and level-headed approach to every situation.

Known for his huge heart and generous spirit, he was a giver to the community, always willing to lend a hand and even “give you the shirt off his back” if needed. He believed in paying it forward, a philosophy that made a profound impact on everyone he encountered.

Beyond his unwavering commitment to family and community, he was an adventurous spirit. He was a seasoned captain, navigating countless boat trips across the Gulf. His love for the water was evident in his cherished trip “up the river to paradise” on his boat, accompanied by his beloved big black dog, Kacey.

He was also a passionate hunter, not just in the pursuit but in the management of the hunt, sharing thrilling stories of his adventures. His lighter side embraced activities like water skiing and even hula dancing, though he drew the line at snow skiing.

He was an excellent businessman with an affinity for numbers, yet amusingly, he struggled to spell "coke" (often spelling it "coak"). He was a lifelong Auburn fan, deeply proud to be an Auburn man, and a devoted patriot with a strong love for his country and Port St. Joe.

He was also renowned as a “dog whisperer” who effortlessly connected with animals, a testament to his kind and gentle nature.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories. His family remembers him fondly for his master story telling and being captain of many ships overseeing everything from boxes, 5 Star Plantation, boating expeditions, and golf outings. He created "quality over quantity" moments for himself and his loved ones, including memorable experiences at "Camp Big Daddy". He held a strong faith and deeply loved Jesus.

He will be profoundly missed by his loving family, his wide circle of loyal friends, and all those whose lives he enriched. He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Lucy Lee Payne Tharpe. Children: William Blaine Tharpe Jr. (Juli), Catherine Ragan Tharpe Cantrelle (Cord), Lee Bryan Tharpe (Melissa), Grandchildren; William Blaine Tharpe III (Logan), Frances Kathleen Tharpe, Cooper McCord Cantrelle, Camden Payne Cantrelle, Audrey Anne Tharpe, James William Tharpe, great grandson William (Liam) Mathew Tharpe, and brother Craig Arnold Tharpe. He is preceded in death by his parents William Jefferson Lee Tharpe and Frances Catherine Arnold Tharpe, and two Grandsons Lee Bryan Tharpe Jr and Jackson Christopher Tharpe.

A funeral service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Visitation at 2:30 - 3:30 with service following at the chapel. Friends and family are invited to attend and share their cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cure JM Foundation, PO Box 45768, Baltimore, MD 21297-5768, a cause close to his heart.