of Clarksville, AR
June 9, 1920 - March 23, 2014
Virgil Phillips, age 93, passed away March 23, 2014 at Johnson Regional Medical Center. He was born June 9, 1920 in Clarksville, AR. Virgil was the last remaining charter member of Hayes Chapel Methodist church. He was a machinist at Clarksville Machine Works where he was employed for twenty-four years before retiring. He was also a Navy veteran of WWII having served his beloved country in the South Pacific. He was a Master Mason and member of Clarksville's Franklin Lodge #9 and was also a member of the Clarksville OES #172. In recent years Virgil became involved as a member and valuable volunteer at the Johnson County Historical Society. Having been one of the last remaining coal miners in Johnson County, he provided valuable information on the history of mining in the local area.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Mack & Maude Phillips, his first wife Polly Dean Phillips and step-daughter Peggy Hampton.
He is survived by his wife Gussie Phillips, two sons Dean Phillips and wife Freda of Heber Springs, Dolan Phillips of Clarksville and daughter Ann McCarley and husband Ross of Clarksville. His step children are John Bowman of Hartwell, GA, Sue Casey of Clarksville, James Robinson of Olympia, WA, and Georgia Adams of Harrison. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren. From his surviving wife's family there are ten step grandchildren, ten step great-grandchildren and four step great-great grandchildren. And a multitude of friends.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brady McCarley, Bradley McCarley, Brian Ross, George Phillips, Jason Phillips, Jake Moore and Gregory Phillips.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home. Virgil's funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Roller-Cox Funeral Home, with Brady McCarley and Beth Latham officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to:
Hays Chapel United Methodist Church
9183 Hwy 64
Hartman, AR 72840
OR
Johnson County Historical Society
131 W. Main St.
Clarksville, AR 72830
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home (479) 754-2201. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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8 Condolence(s)
Angelia Wooten
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Virgil has left a legacy
Of love and laughs and honesty behind, he was a good man, he will be missed.
Brandie and David Betz
Thursday, March 27, 2014
I'm so happy to have spent some time with Virgil while visiting my Grandmother summer of 2012. May he rest in peace with our Father in Heaven.
Lois Dean Breithaupt
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Virgil will be greatly missed. Love to all ,Lois Dean Breithaupt and Family
Claudia Dean Oglesby
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Uncle Virgil was a great man. He always had a smile and a hug for everyone. We have wonderful memories of us visiting in the summers.
Melvin M. Hays
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Mr. Virgil Phillips was my role model for 75 years. I have strived to live my life following his lead. He was a wonderful neighbor a great leader in our Church, a wonderful and careing person and will be missed. My condolences the family. I especially remember the words he said
so many times as he closed our Sunday Service, "Lord give us the strength to Help Somebody Today"
Frank & Christene Ransom
Monday, March 24, 2014
The world is a better place because of Virgil and he will truly be missed. It was such a pleasure to spend time with him, to enjoy his humor and to hear his laughter.. The world needs more people like Virgil.
Fred and Marlene Dougan
Monday, March 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss!
Paula Hartlein
Monday, March 24, 2014
Will Rogers said, "I never met a man I didn't like," but Virgil Phillips practiced these words. My sympathy to his family.