John Wilson Phillips, 77, went to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, after a long illness. John was born in Leesburg and lived most of his adult life in Newport News. John was a lifetime member of Riverside Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army for three years and retired in 2000 from Newport News Shipbuilding after 34 years.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Hope Renee; his son, Jonathan Matthew; daughter, Maria Faith; and his parents, Wilfred James Phillips and Julia Soaper Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Lee Phillips; his son, Benjamin Jason Phillips, (Crystal); his grandson, Nathan Andrew Phillips; brothers, James Phillips (Betty); David Phillips (Kay); Thomas Phillips; twin sister, Joan Hoyle; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Nansemond Pointe for all their loving care and support.

The family received friends on Monday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service was held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial following at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to the Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3700 Huntington Ave., Newport News, VA 23607.