Phillips, Elmer Edmond

Elmer Edmond Phillips, 84, of Christiansburg, and previously of Pulaski, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. He died peacefully at the New River Valley Medical Center on Sunday, May 15, 2011, after a brief illness. He was born in Max Creek, Va., on July 4, 1926, and was the son of the late John Edmond and Callie Owen Phillips. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Wanda Hodge Phillips; sister, Juanita; and brothers, James and Ray. Surviving are his son, Eddie Phillips, of Pulaski; son and wife, Jeff and Melissa Phillips, of Dublin; daughter, Linda Carol Cressell, of Dublin; daughter and husband, Joy and Roy Bowden, of Dublin; brother-in-law and wife, Dennis and Teresa Hodge, of Charlotte, N.C.; 13 grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. Elmer was a proud World War II Navy Veteran who served on the USS Oklahoma City with The Second Division. He was in three Engagements and while on the USS Oklahoma City, he witnessed the signing of the “Unconditional” surrender terms with MacArthur aboard the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Harbor. He worked more than 30 Years at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in various jobs with the most recent being before his retirement, as a Government Inspector. During Elmer’s final months he received loving care from a special group of ladies and his family expresses appreciation to Christy Dishon, Melissa Mitchell, Cary Smith and Randi Jean Smith. Also great appreciation is expressed to life-long friends and neighbors Anita Stanger and Jane Akers. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, from Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski with Preacher Mike Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. Visiting will be held on Tuesday evening, May 17, 2011, from the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Max Creek Baptist Church, 3000 Old Route 100 Road, Draper, VA 24324. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va., 540-980-2600.