Hassell, Phillip Martin

Phillip Martin (Tom, Tommy) Hassell, of Daleville, Va., died suddenly Thursday night, July 23, 2009, at his home in Daleville, Va. after a lengthy illness.

Tom grew up in Radford, Va., the only child of Paul and Zona Hassell. He attended the Radford schools and was a graduate of Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg where he played three sports and was elected to the Vestry. He attended Va. Tech as a member of the class of 1958 and, after an interruption of four years for duty in the United States Air Force, he went back to Tech as a member of the class of 1963.

Tom was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Radford, where he served in numerous roles including Vestryman. Since moving to the Botetourt area, he and his family have been members of St. James Episcopal Church.

During the years the Hassells lived in Radford, Tom worked in accounting in several businesses and served as youth sports coach in the Radford Recreation Department for many years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis, The Fairlawn Lion’s Club and was proud of being a charter member of Heron’s Landing Golf Course.

Tom is remembered as an enthusiastic sports fan, being particularly devoted to the Virginia Tech Hokies, the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees. However, since moving to the Botetourt area after retirement, his favorite sports teams are those that his grandchildren played for. He has been their devoted fan, going to as many of their games as he possibly could, even after his illness began.

In addition to his parents, Tom was also preceded in death by his stepfather, William A. Caldwell, of Radford. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Franklin Hassell; his son, Paul Martin Hassell and wife, Suzan Stojakovich Hassell, of Gaithersburg, Md..; his son, Phillip Howard Hassell and wife, Debbie Vaden Hassell, of Troutville, Va.; and his grandchildren, William Dustin Hassell and Molly Leanna Hassell, both of Troutville, Va.

A funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Susan Bentley at St. James Church on 4515 Delray Street, NW, Roanoke, Va. 24012, Monday, July 27, 2009, at 1 p.m. The family will meet friends in the Church Parish Hall one hour before service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be given in Mr. Hassell’s memory to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund of St. James Church. Interment Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements by Rader Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Daleville, Va.