Leslie Tharp

Leslie Roger Tharp, 70, of Quinwood, WV, was welcomed into Heaven on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the Summersville Regional Medical Center, following a long illness.

He was born March 2, 1956 in Richwood, WV, and was the son of the late Leslie Tharp and Myrtle Hosey Tharp. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents John Tharp and Laura Clutter Tharp

Leslie was retired and had previously worked as a security guard. Throughout his life, he worked in the coal mining industry, trucking, and carpentry. He was also a former member and Chaplain of the Quinwood Volunteer Fire Department.

An avid outdoorsman, Leslie loved hunting, fishing, and camping, and he took great joy in sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. Each year, he eagerly prepared for deer season alongside his sons and grandsons, creating cherished memories and collecting stories that would be retold for years to come. He and his sons also enjoyed the occasional motorcycle ride without much of a plan as to where to go so long as they were together.

Above all, Leslie was a devoted family man. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Whether working together in the garden, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a brief visit, he considered time spent with family to be time well spent.

Leslie was deeply passionate about sharing the light of Jesus Christ. Having accepted Christ at a young age, he later became a minister of the Christian faith. He made it a priority to share the Gospel wherever he went, especially beyond the walls of the church. A common thread throughout his stories reflected God’s goodness, faithfulness, and mercy throughout his own life. Leslie loved to play guitar and sing songs that were devoted to the Lord. He led bold prayers for anyone in need. Most importantly, Leslie instilled his steadfast and unwavering faith and love for Jesus in his family, friends, and everyone he encountered.

As Scripture reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” With that promise, we can be confident that this passage is not a goodbye, but simply, “see you later.” He will be affectionately cherished in our hearts and kept fondly in our memories until we are reunited again in eternity.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Vella Tharp, his children James (Amanda) Tharp, Anna Tharp, Kelly (Timmy) Kiser, Leslie (Laura) Tharp, Isaac (Sandra) Tharp; his grandchildren Asher, Lucas, Colt, Braedyn, Eli, Patrick, Nathan, Tyler and Sayla; great-grandchildren, James and Jaxon; his sister Betty Elaine Tharp, aunts Bonnie Keener, Mary Bess, Sally Mullens and uncle John Tharp; a special family friend who he treated like one of his own, Shannon Everhart; many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors and friends.

A celebration of Leslie’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2026 and be officiated by Pastor Leslie Clutter. Family and friends may visit from 1:00 until time of service at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Rainelle. Entombment will follow at the Wallace Memorial Mausoleum, Clintonville, WV.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the medical and nursing staff at the Summersville Regional Medical Center and to the Quinwood Volunteer Fire Department who tended to his care.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com

Wallace & Wallace, Inc. of Rainelle, WV is in charge of arrangements.