"In Memory of Virgil H. PHIPPS"
Virgil Harrison PHIPPS was born July 26,1909 to Ben and Maude PORTER PHIPPS in Rugby, Virginia. He departed this life August 5,1986, after an illness lasting 12 years. He was married to Edna JOHNSON on January 16,1932. To this union were born two children: Dorothy GOAD of Roanoke, Va., and Mack WILLIAMS of Rural Hall, N.C. Virgil has two sisters, Elsie WADDELL of Grassy Creek and Sadie WEISS of Vernon, Florida. He has four granchildren. He professed a faith in Christ in 1953 and was baptized in Pleasant Home CHurch and later ordained as a deacon into the church where he remained a faithful member until death.
For several years, Virgil was afflicted with emphysema but he bore his illness with patience and without complaining "Why me?"
Virgil started in life poor but by hard work and economy he accumulated enough to own a nice farm and a good home. He loved his family and always provided well for the comfort and well being for each member.
He was faithful to his church as long as he was able to go. He supported it financially and spiritually. If any work needed to be done around the church grounds you could always find Virgil there helping with work and the finances.
All who knew Virgil would agree that he was one of the best neighbors and always ready to lend a helping hand. Through his kindness, honesty and truthfulness, he won the love, respect and admiration of all who knew him. In Revelations 14:13, we are told "Blessed (or happy) are the dead which died in the Lord; they rest from their labours,: and in II Corin. 5:8, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."
From the life of Virgil lived and the evidence he left behind, we know he is enjoying the beauty of that eternal home with his Lord. Although he will be greatly missed by his loved ones and many friends, we are not to grieve as those that have no hope, but glad we were privileged to know him for so many years."
