All About Tharp Funeral Home

September 20, 2017

About Us


Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory is proud to be the most often selected funeral home and crematory in Central Virginia,

offering affordable funeral and cremation arrangements and services, preplanning, burials, cremation planning and pet loss services. We are a family owned and operated funeral home with locations in Lynchburg, Bedford, Smith Mountain Lake, Madison Heights and Roanoke, and have proudly served Central Virginia for nearly a century.


Historic Ownership Team

Our Family Helping Yours


Chris Tharp, Co-Owner

Chris Tharp, Co-Owner and his sons Teddy (left) and John (right)

Skip is proud to have passed the day to day leadership of the company on to his son, Chris Tharp, the 3rd generation of Tharp’s local family ownership!

Chris Tharp is a native of Bedford where he graduated from Liberty High School. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and graduate degrees from Brown University and the University of Virginia. Chris is the 3rd generation of the Tharp family to enter funeral service following both his father and grandfather into the profession. Chris and his wife, Sarah, an elementary school teacher, enjoy spending time with their sons, John and Ted, and working outside in their garden.

Chris is also an avid cyclist who enjoys riding with friends along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Murrell W. Thornhill, IV Co-Owner

Co-owner of Tharp Funeral Home, Murrell Thornhill, and his family

Murrell W. Thornhill IV, is a co-owner of Tharp Funeral Home. He is a native of Lynchburg, where he graduated from Heritage High School. He has undergraduate degrees from John Tyler Community college, Norfolk State University, and a Graduate degree from Longwood University.

After his service in the United States Army, stationed at Ft Bragg, NC, Murrell attended John Tyler Community College and became a licensed funeral director in 2003.

He is married to Adrian Barbour Thornhill, and he has three children: Imoni, Tyler, and Alexis Thornhill. Murrell is very active in the community and is a member of various organizations. In his spare time he enjoys volunteering to help others spending time with his family, and exercising.

See staff photos & bios

All About Tharp Funeral Home

Our Mission is to provide you and your family with the highest level of service and attention to detail — at an affordable cost. As a family owned and operated community resource, we pride ourselves on making sure that our client families’ services are exactly what they wanted. We promise that you will look back on the healing tribute you plan for your loved one with pride and satisfaction.

Here to Serve

Arranging a funeral service can be difficult and painful in the wake of a loss. That's why we're here to help you with the pre-planning process, before an immediate need arises. Start funeral pre-planning today, or contact us for an immediate funeral need.

Three Generations

Our founder, Glenn W. Tharp, had faithfully served families for over 60 years when his son, W. D. “Skip” Tharp, took up the mantle of running Central Virginia’s most selected funeral service. For over a decade, Skip’s son, Chris Tharp, has been the president and owner of Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory.

Best Price Guarantee

As a locally owned and operated funeral home & crematory, we offer the most affordable cremation and burial packages available in our region. If another company gives a lower price for any services or merchandise, we can offer you more value at a better price. Just let us know.

We Honor Our Veterans

We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for the needs of veterans. Our founder, Glenn Tharp, was a veteran of World War II, serving under Patton and receiving the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

We will work with you to make sure you receive the best care and all of the benefits available to you. A Veteran’s funeral service may be eligible for a number of benefits provided by both Tharp Funeral Home and the V.A.

Community Awards & Recognition

As a locally owned family business, Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory has always been actively involved in the communities we serve. We are dedicated to volunteering and financially supporting the following organizations and charities:
  • Family Friendly Business of the Year

    Awarded by Alliance for Families & Children

  • Small Business of the Year

    Awarded by Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

  • Best Funeral Home

    Awarded by the readers of The News & Advance

  • Recognized in Lynchburg Business Magazine

    Download the PDF of their feature article. [ Download Now ]

• Central Virginia YMCA • Kids Haven • Bedford Professional Women • Timbrook Woman’s Club • Women of the Moose, Chapter 1335 • Mended Hearts • Leadership Lynchburg and Leadership Bedford Programs • Bedford Elks Lodge • Society of American Magicians, Assembly #32 • Knights of Columbus, Council #595 • Lynchburg Historical & Military Reenactors Association • Free Clinic of Central VA • Relay for Life • Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Virginia • Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library • Habitat for Humanity • American Red Cross • Bedford Moose Lodge • Amazement Square • Academy of Fine Arts • SML Business Connection Chapter of BNI • Rotary Club of Bedford • National Railway Historical Society, Blue Ridge Chapter • Lynchburg Sports Club • Evington Masonic Lodge #333 • Forest Rotary Club

Proud to Remain Family-Owned

Tharp Funeral Home is proud to remain family-owned. We have cared for thousands of Lynchburg and Bedford residents since 1848 , providing the heartfelt, compassionate care that only a family-run service can offer. Our commitment is to you and your loved ones, not to stockholders or investors. In your time of need, rely on a family-owned and operated business you can trust.

About New York Traded, Texas Conglomerate Chains

The world's largest funeral and cremation corporation is Service Corporation International (SCI), located out of Houston Texas. This is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. They own the following local funeral homes here in Lynchburg, Bedford, Madison Heights, Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake:

Other Corporate-Owned Funeral Homes:

  • Diuguid Funeral Home (owned and operated by Foundation Partners Corporation)
  • Lotz Funeral Home (owned and operated by Legacy Funeral Corporation)
  • Rader Funeral Home (owned and operated by Legacy Funeral Corporation)
By Missy Hardenburg March 31, 2026
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
By Missy Hardenburg February 9, 2026
Finding Hope and Healing This Spring | Discover ways to cope with grief, honor loved ones, and find support this season. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory serves families in Lynchburg, Bedford, Madison Heights, Moneta and Roanoke.
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The vivid red cardinal holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially during the Christmas season. Its striking presence amidst the stillness of winter carries a powerful meaning for those grieving the loss of a loved one. This article explores the meaning of seeing a red cardinal , particularly at Christmas, and how this cherished bird symbolizes hope, comfort, and an enduring connection with those who have passed.
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When someone we love passes away, the world doesn’t just lose a person—we lose a part of ourselves, too. In the early days of grief, it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath our feet. The ache is deep, the absence deafening. People may offer comforting words – but anyone who has truly loved and lost knows: you don’t really move on . You move with it .