John Bill Tharp

Obituary for John Bill Tharp

John Bill Tharp, born December 15, 1946, at 6:10 p.m. in Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on August 19, 2025 at 6:16 p.m. at his adoring lakeside retreat in Montgomery County, Texas.

John has, and will always be loved by those fortunate enough to meet him. Most importantly to John, in his final moments he was comforted and protected by his long-time K-9 companions, Twyla and Pricilla, who remained faithfully by his side until his neighbors and loved ones could help bring him to his final home.

Though born as George Billy Curry, John was unconditionally loved and embraced by his true father, Scott J. Tharp, whom he revered. John loved him so deeply that in 1968 he legally changed his name to John Bill Tharp, the name by which he was known, loved, and will forever be remembered by all. His father, Scott J. Tharp, passed away on August 31, 2000, in Midland, Texas, leaving a lasting legacy that John carried forward throughout his life.

John was the son of Annie Hazel Moore Tharp of Many, Louisiana, who was just 19 years old at the time of his birth. Annie precedes John in death, departing this life on March 12, 1989. The love and guidance of both his mother and father shaped John into the person we will forever remember—for his strength, his love, his deep appreciation for life, and his unwavering loyalty to family. John was truly a beautiful, one-of-a-kind human being.

John’s adult life began with his graduation from Waynesville High School in Waynesville, Missouri, in May 1964. He continued his education at Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University), where he studied Chemistry, Accounting, and, not surprisingly, Zoology. In June 1979, John finalized his studies at the University of California, earning a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

His professional career began at Humble Oil & Refining Company as a Technician from 1966 to 1970. Over the years, John held many positions and titles, ranging from President to Pool Boy. Yet, without question, the greatest roles he ever filled were those of Loving Son, delicately devious Brother, devoted Friend, and a down-right Debutant Diva!

John was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Hazel Moore Tharp; his father, Scott J. Tharp; and his eternally adoring sister, Eddie Diane Tharp Holseth, who passed on December 10, 2019.

He is survived by his two sisters: his loving sister Scottie Mansfield and her husband Dale Mansfield, His adoring sisterYvonne Tharp Jones and her husband Gary Jones, Sr., Johns Numerous nieces and nephews are Celbert M. Brown, III -aka- Tre Man and his wife Daluwanna Brown-aka-Daluwanna Brown, his feisty neice Misty Brown Galaviz and her husband Dave Galaviz. his beloved niece Kimberly Holseth Herrin and her husband John Herrin, loving nieceHeather Munns and her sidekick Scott Braddock; his always affectionate nephew John Holseth and Matthew Holseth. Most dear to John’s heart, he is also survived by his adoring and loyal K-9 companions, Twyla “bad hair day” Tharp and Prescilla “Golden Paw” Tharp.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. CST, at the Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, Texas, with burial to follow at Del Rose Cemetery, Vidor, TX 77662.

John’s journey was one of love, devotion, and steadfast loyalty—to his family, his friends, and even his dogs. His legacy will remain alive in the hearts of those who loved him. In Conclusion, the following is from the many loving messages he has transcribed and left for his friends and family to remember him by, specifically this one dated September 18, 2017:

“The Rest (Conclusion) of my life does not end with the death of my body.”

— John Bill Tharp