Mac Phipps

Mac A. Phipps, 81, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, at Select Specialty Hospital in Bristol.
He was born in Bristol to the late Joseph Mac and Margaret Isabella Phipps and was also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Malcum Phipps; brothers, Howard "Bud" Phipps of Bristol Tennessee, Joseph Conley Phipps of Medford, Ore., and Worley E. "Steve" Phipps of Columbia, S.C.; and a sister, Helen Phipps Smith of Elizabethton, Tenn.
He was retired from the U.S. Navy and served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Bay of Pigs. He served aboard aircraft carriers including, the USS Boxer, USS Independence and the USS Hornet, and as a navel flight navigator. Interrupting his 20-year naval career, Mac graduated from Emory & Henry College, where he was a member of the basketball team. He taught and coached basketball at Appalachia High School. Mac was a 23-year employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia, retiring as manager of the Virginia Employment Commission in Richlands.
Survivors include two nephews, Mike Phipps of Bristol Tennessee and Dick Smith of Elizabethton; a niece, Toni Phipps Pittman of Cordova, Tenn.; and a number of special friends.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, 106 Veterans Drive, Richlands, VA 24641.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com.
Mr. Phipps and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn.; (423) 764-7123.