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.

New Ownership at Tharp Funeral Home 

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.

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

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