Steven Craig Phillips

There’s a quote by an unknown author that says, “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains.” That quote applies to Steven Craig Phillips. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many. Steve passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 62. But his light remains, and it’s up to us to carry it forward.

A lifelong resident of Newport News, Steve was the first child of Harold and Nancy JoAnn Phillips. He was born into a large, close-knit family that shaped him throughout his life. He and his two younger brothers, Chris and Brian, all graduated from Denbigh High School, with Steve as part of the Class of 1979.

Shortly after graduation, he was set up on a blind date with Sarah Jo Wicker – also of the DHS Class of ’79. The love that budded on that first date would blossom and flourish throughout a 42-year marriage. Steve and Sarah were perfect for one another – similar in many ways, and complimentary in many others. Steve was someone strong, dependable, supportive, and giving for Sarah.

Together, Steve and Sarah raised two sons – Keith Alan and Michael Craig Phillips. Michael married Rachel Kennedy, and they blessed Steve and Sarah with two grandchildren – Emily Grace (9) and Jackson Craig (6).

Family meant everything to Steve. From serious conversations and advice about life, to being silly to make his sons and grandchildren laugh, to high fives during Orioles or Capitals games, there are so many examples of how he was an amazing father and grandfather. In recent times, going to Emily’s recitals and Jackson’s soccer games brought Steve and his grandchildren such joy. And Steve and the entire family cherished their annual beach trips to the Outer Banks.

Friends were important, too – and he had many from neighbors to co-workers, and more. His friends will remember Steve as one of the easiest people to talk to, someone who was always willing to lend a hand, someone who loved to laugh, and someone who loved a good plate of seafood. Sports were often a gathering point for Steve and friends – especially watching and going to games for his favorite teams.

Steve and his cousin and best friend, Ben Phaup, enjoyed designing and building chassis for racing motorcycles in their spare time. They were responsible for building the world’s quickest and fastest motorcycle chassis for Larry “Spiderman” McBride, who went 268 mph at an elapsed time of 5.61 seconds. Steve and Ben were about to debut their new bike – the “Smoker Mo,” named after both of their nicknames.

During his life, Steve worked at Advex, Newport News Shipbuilding, Advanced Acoustics, Siemens Automotive, and for his own business, S&S Cabinets, Inc.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Harold. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his mother, Nancy JoAnn; his sons, Keith and Michael (Rachel); grandchildren, Emily and Jackson; brothers, Chris (Mary) and Brian (Carmen); beloved dog, Kody and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Weymouth Funeral Home led by Rev. Deborah Dail. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the children’s ministry of Denbigh United Presbyterian Church. Also, as you remember him, think of the attributes and actions of Steve that you can carry forward so that his light remains. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.