Blake William Tharin

ROCKY MOUNT – Blake William Tharin, 85, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, banker, stockbroker, and faithful servant of his church and community, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on March 5, 1941, he was the son of William Dhu Tharin and Gwendolyn Younge Tharin.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carl Tharin.

Blake graduated from Greensboro High School in 1959 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1963.  He later earned his MBA from East Carolina University and completed schools of banking at Louisiana State University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Oklahoma.

Blake proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Yeoman Third Class.  His years in the Navy fostered a lifelong love of the sea, travel, and adventure that remained with him throughout his life.

Blake began his career with Wachovia Bank in Greensboro before moving to Tarboro to open the first branch of People’s Bank and Trust Company outside of Rocky Mount.  He later transferred to the bank’s home office in Rocky Mount before beginning a successful second career as a stockbroker with E.F. Hutton.  He concluded his career with Tharin and Tharin Investment Consulting Group, where he had the special privilege of working alongside his son, James, until his retirement.

In 1964, Blake married the love of his life and best friend, Linda James Tharin.  Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, remaining devoted to one another until his passing.

In addition to his beloved wife, Linda, he is survived by his sons, James (Kate) Tharin and John (Bethany) Tharin; his grandchildren, Gracie Byrd, Mari Robin, Will, and Frances Tharin; his sister-in-law, Jean McNeill and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Faith and service were central to Blake’s life. While living in Tarboro, he was an active member of Calvary Episcopal Church.  After moving to Rocky Mount, he became a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount, where he served two terms as Senior Warden of the Vestry, one term as Treasurer and served on the Episcopal Housing Ministry.

Blake’s commitment to serving others extended beyond the church.  He served as campaign manager for Congressman L. H. Fountain, was elected to the Tarboro City Council, served on the Rocky Mount Housing Authority Board, and was honored as the Tarboro Jaycees’ Man of the Year.  He was a long time member of the Nash – Rocky Mount Rotary Club and ran the Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, delivering countless Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need over the years.

Blake embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude.  He enjoyed painting, woodworking, scuba diving, fly fishing, sailing, and traveling throughout the Caribbean and Europe with family and friends.  He especially loved spending time at his home in Atlantic Beach, where many treasured family memories were made.  A lifelong Tar Heel, he rarely missed the opportunity to cheer on Carolina basketball. Blessed with an optimistic spirit, Blake had a gift for seeing the best in people and in every situation.  His warmth, generosity, quiet faith, and unwavering love for his family touched countless lives and will be remembered always.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by his current caregivers, Catherine, Cierra, Tameka, and Maria, as well as for the devoted care of Drs. Martha Chesnutt and Michael Pietrangelo throughout the years.

The family will receive friends at the home of James and Kate Tharin, 1625 Pinecrest Road, on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

A Celebration of Blake’s Life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.  Burial of cremains will follow the service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Blake’s memory to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.