Levi J. "Peaches" Tharp, of Smyrna, passed away suddenly at Christiana Hospital on March 29, 2016 with his loving and devoted family by his side. He was 76.

He was born in Port Penn, DE on May 7, 1939, the son of the late Spencer and Margaret J. Tharp.

Levi was an iron worker for Local 451 and Coastal Erectors for 26 years before retiring. He loved his job and contributed to hundreds of steel buildings constructed throughout the state. He worked part time for Willis Chevrolet of Smyrna. Levi became an avid Dale Earnhardt fan and collector. He was a Phillies fan, passionate flower gardener, especially his "knock-out" roses, and farming. He was fond of tractors and mowing grass. He loved the slots and his most recent trips with his sister and brother-in-laws. He enjoyed watching the Lone Ranger and other old cowboy shows. He loved spending time with his family and was always there when you needed a hand.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Michael; a sister, Nanette; a half-brother, Billy; and his loyal companion, Lucky.

He was the husband of the late Lucille Allen with whom he shared 36 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Jerri Cadmus (Tom), Mark Levi, and Barbara Schaffer (Brian); step-daughters, Lynda (Jim) McCollum, and Carol Shinault; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a brother, Ben Tharp, of Delaware City, and step-family, Jenny, Jane, and David. He is also survived by sister-in-laws, Lish Rose, June Poore, Judy Council, and Paula Fitzpatrick; brother-in-laws, Malcom, Lee, and Lynwood Windsor; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday April 5 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call Monday evening from 6-8:00 PM. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Port Penn.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com .

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.