Conley, Phillip Edward

Phillip Edward Conley, 63, of Narrows, passed away Friday, February 8, 2013. He was the youngest son of the late Harless Edward and Frances Shrader Conley. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Richard Dee Wood and Pastor William Sleasman. Phillip was a member of East Chapel Community Church, where he led singing and taught adult Sunday School class for years. He was also a member of the Hales Chapel United Methodist Church Choir. Phillip served as a rural mail carrier for 30 years and was a member of the State and Federal National Rural Mail Carriers Association. Phillip helped his mother and father operate Chapel Grocery in the Wolf Creek community during the years it was in business. He also worked on the family farm. He was also a member of the Wolf Creek Ruritan Club, where he served in various positions, including Past-President and Treasurer. In addition, Phillip participated in the “Thirty Niners” Club at Rocky Gap United Methodist Church. A gifted singer, he collected old hymnals and would host Gospel sings in his home. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted sister and caregiver, Della Virginia (Ginny) Sleasman, of Narrows; a beloved brother and farm partner, Lockard Conley and wife, Gloria, of Tazewell; four nieces, Sandra Wood and special friend, Larry Kates, of Ruckersville, Stacey Wood Marshall and fiance, Clay Dudley, of Standardsville, Marci Payne and husband, James, of Tazewell, and April Conley, of Greensboro, N.C.; great-nieces, Ashley Shifflett and husband, Steven, of Ruckersville, Logan Marshall and special friend, Riccerdo Boenrostro, of Charlottesville, and Abigail Payne, of Charlottesville; great-nephews, Phillip Harlow and special friend, Amber Joyner, of Ruckersville, and Bryce Gibson, of Standardsville; great-great-niece, Aubrey Shifflett; and great-great-nephew, Wyatt Shifflett; many special cousins and friends loved by Phillip. A celebration of Phillip’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013, at East Chapel Community Church, Wolf Creek Road in Narrows with the Rev. Tim Lacy, Dr. Thomas Conley, and Pastor Rodney Lawson officiating. The family will receive friends at East Chapel Community Church Saturday from noon until the start of the service. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to either East Chapel Community Church, c/o 179 Crestwood Drive, Narrows, VA 24124; to Hales Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o 3105 Wolf Creek Road, Narrows, VA 24124; or to the Phillip Conley Scholarship Fund of the Wolf Creek Ruritan Club, in care of Club Treasurer, 2175 Old Wolf Creek Road, Narrows, VA 24124. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, 540-726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.