Roger Vernon “Perks” Tharpe (1944 – 2026)

Roger Vernon “Perks” Tharpe, 82, of Kenansville, North Carolina, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, and has been finally reunited with his wife, Brenda Brown, who preceded him in 2009.

Perks was born September 26, 1944, in Browntown, Virginia, son of the late Vernon David and Edith Virginia Rudacille Tharpe. Perks was also preceded in death by three brothers, Eddie, Jack, and Tommy Tharpe.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister-in-law, Sharon Tharpe of Browntown; nephews, Tommy Tharpe and wife Melissa of Winchester and Timmy Tharpe and wife Sherri of Woodstock; niece, Michelle Quinn and husband Kim of Topsail Beach and their son Holden and wife Tori of Wilmington; and several other nieces and nephews.

Perks never met a stranger and would always talk to anyone he came in contact with. He always made time to take a niece, nephew, or many of his “adopted” kids hunting, fishing, or for a walk on his stilts as he worked on the many miles of sheetrock he finished in his lifetime.

His laughter, quick wit, and jokes will be long remembered for many years to come. He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends.

A graveside memorial service to celebrate his life was held on Tuesday, October 27 at 11:00 a.m. in Devotional Gardens, 1260 NC 24 & 50 in Warsaw, North Carolina with the Rev. Jimmy Johnson officiating.  The family received friends following the service.