Obituary of Richard Edward Phillippi

Richard Edward “Dick” Phillippi, age 87, of Wytheville, passed away on March 24, 2025, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Wythe County to the late Richard Erwin and Ida Lucille Hilton Phillippi (Maw and Paw). Dick was a graduate of George Wythe High School and a proud member of the Virginia Military Institute Class of 1959. He served in the United States Army and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Phillippi Pope; two brothers, John Phillippi and Warren “Pete” Phillippi; and his son-in-law, Ralph Phillips. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Linda Carpenter Phillippi of Wytheville; three daughters—“The Phillippi Girls”—and sons-in-law: Stacy and Rusty Beamer of Wytheville, Regan and Art Davis of Wytheville, and Allison and Wally Jones of Fort Worth, Texas; one son, Grey Farthing of Columbia, SC; grandchildren: Leigh and her husband, Mike Moller, Deacon and his wife, Allison Beamer, and Wyatt Jones; and special friends George James and Melissa Stump. The family is forever grateful to Melissa Stump and George James whose quiet acts of kindness and unwavering support went beyond measure—gifts of the heart that can never be repaid. Over the years, Dick served his hometown and county in numerous capacities. His public service included time on the Town of Wytheville Recreation Commission (1967–1970), Wythe County Planning Commission (1969–1970), Town of Wytheville Industrial Development Authority (1974–1977), Wytheville Town Council (1976–1979), Wythe County School Board (1979–1994), and the Wythe County Joint Industrial Development Authority (1994–1995). His dedication extended far beyond public service. He served on the Wythe County Community Hospital Board and was an active member of the Wytheville Rotary Club and the Wytheville Jaycees. Professionally, he was a respected figure in the construction industry, having served as State Director of the Virginia Road Builders Association, Director of the Association of General Contractors of Virginia, and Past President of the Virginia Road Builders Association. In addition to his professional and civic commitments, Dick was Past President of the Wytheville Golf Club and the Iron Boots Society, reflecting his love of fellowship, camaraderie, and his community. Dick was always the first to lend a hand to those in need. He lived his life with kindness, integrity, and humility—putting his family before all else, and offering steady support to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. He had a deep love for all animals…except Canadian geese, with whom he had a long-standing rivalry. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville, with Pastor Misti McCreary officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall from 10 until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dick’s honor to HOPE Packs, a program close to his heart. Contributions can be made online at ouropendoor.org/donate or mailed to PO Box 743, Wytheville, VA 24382. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com. Grubb Funeral Home of Wytheville is in charge of arrangements.