Howard Morris Phillips

God knew the road was getting tough

The hill was hard to climb

He gently closed his loving eyes

And whispered sweet peace be thine.

We pause to pay tribute to the precious memory

of

Howard Morris Phillips

Our hearts were saddened on Sunday, December 7, 2025, by the passing of Howard Morris Phillips, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, veteran, and faithful servant of God. Born on October 17, 1940, to the late James T. and Bessie L. Phillips in Montague, Virginia, Howard lived a life marked by humility, compassion, discipline, and unwavering dedication to his family, his church, and his Lord.

Howard received his education in the Essex County Public School system. In his younger years, he worked at Hatton's Service Station in Laneview, Virginia. That early experience sparked his passion for mechanics and motivated him to pursue higher education. He went on to earn an associate degree in Applied Mechanics before returning to Tappahannock, where he worked as an auto mechanic at a service station.

In 1961, Howard enlisted in the United States Air Force. While serving, he completed his bachelor's degree in Sociology from Virginia State University. Later Howard became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter with over 30 years of service to the brotherhood where he cherished the brotherhood throughout his life.

Howard's early Air Force career began as an HVAC technician. Through hard work, discipline, and exceptional leadership, he rose through the ranks and was commissioned as an officer, serving as an Air Battle Manager known in civilian terms as an Air Traffic Controller. He faithfully served his country for 25 years in this role. After retiring from active duty, he continued his service to the nation as a civilian Training Analyst for an additional 24 years.

Howard accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Center Cross, Virginia. Upon relocating to Langley AFB, he joined Zion Prospect Baptist Church, where he became a longstanding and deeply devoted member. Howard was instrumental in the growth of the church and poured his heart into ministry and service. He served faithfully as Trustee Chairman, participated in the Auto Ministry, ushered with grace, sang joyfully with the Men of Faith Choir, and attended Men's Ministry, Sunday School, and Bible Study with a sincere hunger for God's Word. He was also a committed member of the United Christian Brotherhood (UCB). His life reflected Christian integrity, steady, humble, and rooted in love.

Family and friends remember Howard as a man who showered others with love and never asked for anything in return. He had a gentle spirit and a giving heart, always ready to help, teach, or simply listen. His passion for working on cars and on computers became both a hobby and a ministry, blessing countless church members and community families who relied on his skill and generosity. He loved NASCAR, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a good tuna salad sub from Subway, but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his family.

Though he loved all his children dearly, Howard held a special tenderness for his grandchildren. Sunday mornings became treasured memories picking them up for church, stopping at Hardee's afterward, or sharing biscuits and gravy, a hot dog, and sweet tea. These simple moments became sacred traditions that his family will carry forward for generations.

Howard was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Annette Phillips, and his sisters Mary Montgomery and Ester Phillips. After Annette's passing, Howard was blessed to find love again and later married Dorothy Davis Miller, with whom he shared a beautiful, blended family and many cherished years.

Howard leaves to celebrate his life and legacy his loving wife, Dorothy Phillips; daughters Inez Vlahovich (Dan) of Dacula, Georgia, Sharon Boyd, Rhonda Scott (David), Deborah Figgs (John), and Marjorie Jacob (Rodell), all of Newport News, Virginia; sons Reginald Phillips of Newport News, Virginia, and George Miller of Raleigh, North Carolina; two sisters, Carolyn McKethan of Washington, D.C., and Janet Jeter (Wayne) of Champlain, Virginia; one brother, James Phillips, Jr. of Center Cross, Virginia; one brother in law, Zackery Davis (Debra); 21 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and one on the way; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends who cherished him deeply.

May he rest in the eternal peace of the Lord he loved so deeply, and may his legacy continue to shine through the countless lives he touched.

Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with the family receiving guest from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held 12 Noon Monday, December 15, 2025 at Zion Prospect Baptist Church. Interment will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

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