Visitation: 9:00a.m., Monday, August 14, 2017
Location: Weymouth Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10:00a.m., Monday, August 14, 2017
Location: Weymouth Funeral Home
Interment: 12:00p.m., Monday, August 14, 2017
Location: Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery
Edward Lee Phillips was a resident of Newport News, Virginia for 44 years. He was a USAF retired Command Master Sergeant (E-9), having served more than 26 years. He retired from Langley Air Force Base on 31 October 1979. After a 3 year valiant and courageous battle with lung cancer, he lost the fight at home on 8 August 2017 as a result of exposure to Agent Orange during his service.
Ed was a hardworking man and an excellent provider for his family. He was a simple man that could improvise and make use of anything. He loved to garden and go hunting in the mountains with the guys; this he did for many decades. His family and country were his priorities. He never thought of himself, but thought of everyone else instead. His listening ear and broad shoulders were used by many through the years, as well as his vast knowledge and advisement. He was a very giving person, always ready to help someone in the family when in need. He was “THE ROCK” for the whole family, and enjoyed every minute of it! Ed loved ‘his’ aircraft immensely, and when an airplane from Langley would fly over as he was gardening in his back yard, he would stand tall, salute it, and start singing the Air Force Hymn, then back to gardening, that was “POP.” Ed’s aircraft maintenance expertise was put to constant use during his five tours in South East Asia with recurring TDY into the Republic of Vietnam, recovering our aircraft and evacuating them for further maintenance. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal for his efforts during these assignments. Ed also worked a night job as Quality Inspector for Nuclear Subs in NN Shipbuilding, while simultaneously working days for the United States Post Office. He later established his own business in financial investments and securities.
Ed was the son of John Herbert and Thelma Lucille Phillips, deceased. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Tina Phillips Gerken (Robert) of Williamsburg; two sons, Curtis G. Phillips of Newport News and David L. Phillips (Norma) of Williamsburg; family adopted daughter, Deborah West of Hampton; three grandchildren, Keelan A. Gerken, Corey L. Jones, and Jairin E. Phillips; four great-grandchildren, Ava, Rilynn, and Eden Phillips, and Elliette Jones; three sisters, Katie Ryder, Ruby Hawkins, and Fran Misenheimer; two brothers, Dempsey and Walter Phillips; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and his very special family at DAV Chapter 13, Yorktown, VA. Prior to and during his battle with cancer, Pop was an active member of the DAV Chapter 13 where he found his second family. They watched out for him and loved him as if he were their own Pop. His gracious smile is sorely missed. Ed touched the lives of so many that no one he met can walk away without remembering him for a lifetime.
A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00am on Monday, August 14, 2017, at the Weymouth Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at 12:00pm at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, Virginia 23434. A Celebration of Life reception will take place after the interment at DAV Chapter 13, York County, 1700 George Washington Memorial Highway (Rt 17) Grafton, VA. (Point of Contact: CG “Terry” Bohlinger 3rd Commander. 757-596-0062). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) York County Chapter 13. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.