PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. — Michael A. Tharp, 72, of Prescott Valley, Ariz. (formerly of Clinton and Bloomington, Ill.) passed away on August 25, 2023, in Prescott, Ariz. Mike’s unexpected death resulted from complications due to medical negligence during hip surgery that he had a few months earlier. Cremation rites have been accorded by Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory in Prescott Valley, Ariz.
Michael Alan Tharp was born September 20, 1950, in Clinton, the son of William (Bill) Preston Tharp) Jr. and Doris Rae (Dawson)Tharp. They preceded him in death.
Survivors include sister Vicki Tharp Douglas, Farmer City; daughter Nicole (Wayne) Countryman, Mo., and three grandchildren.
Also surviving is his good friend and companion Pamela Kline, Prescott Valley, Ariz.
Mike graduated from Clinton Community High School, in 1968, where he won awards in basketball and track. He served in the Illinois Air National Guard during the Vietnam era. Mike’s hobbies and interests were music, playing the guitar, golfing, fishing, and women. He also enjoyed cooking and BBQing on a charcoal grill. Michael was the type of guy who took advantage of what life had to offer and lived each day to its fullest. He lived by the theory of wine, women, and song. He was never afraid of telling it like it is, which didn’t always set well with some people. Above all, Mike possessed an inner goodness that only a handful of people knew about.
A private, family graveside service will be held at the Nixon Township Cemetery, Weldon, at a later date. Memorials may be made to Vicki Tharp Douglas, 506 E. Water St., Farmer City, IL 61842
