Pastor Edwin Lewis Tharpe, 89 of Lake City, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Malcolm Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville.  He was born in Samoset, Florida to the late Lewis Tharpe and Abbie McMullen Tharpe. Pastor Tharpe had made his home in Lake City since 1985 having moved here from the Central Florida area.  He served our country in the United States Marine Corps and served as a Baptist Pastor for many years.  During his 60 year ministry, Pastor Tharpe served numerous churches and performed hundreds of marriages.  He was currently a member of Wellborn Baptist Church in Wellborn.  Pastor Tharpe enjoyed wood working, mechanics and volunteering.  His greatest joy was making people smile and telling a good joke.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of over 50 years, Jane Tharpe.

Survivors include his son, Edwin A. "Andy" Tharpe (Betty), Virginia Beach, VA; his daughter, Robin Cooper, Biloxi, MS; his brother, Joe Tharpe, Dothan, AL; three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service honoring the life of Pastor Tharpe will be conducted on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with military honors by the United States Marine Corps.  Interment will follow later in the day at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, 26604 SR-64, Myakka City, FL 34251.  A time of visitation with the family will be prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM.