Tench H. Phillips Jr.

Tench H. Phillips, Jr., a beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin, "Boss," and friend of the Hampton Roads community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 with his loving wife and family by his side. "Mr. Oldsmobile," a retired automobile dealer, was the son of the late Ruth and Tench Phillips. He was born in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Feb. 15, 1930, and as a child often visited family in Waycross and Atlanta, Ga. before moving to the Hampton Roads area, where he graduated from Maury High School in 1948.

His career in the car business began in the early 1950s at Beaudry Ford, starting as a bill collector before earning a position in sales, while attending Georgia Tech. Despite the position being only part-time, he became the dealership's top salesperson, all while taking a full load of classes and caring for his family. He graduated a proud "Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech," in 1953 with a degree in Industrial Management.

In 1957, Tench, along with his late brother G. Conoly Phillips, opened a used car lot in Norfolk, with Rambler as their first franchise. In 1964, Tench acquired the Oldsmobile franchise. Phillips Oldsmobile was regularly one of the top 100 Oldsmobile dealers of some 3,200 dealers across the country. He later acquired Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover and Volvo. In addition, he served as president of the Tidewater Automobile Dealer Association, as a member of the General Motors Dealer Council, and received the Small Businessman of the Year award from the Small Business Association before his retirement.

Tench never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back or the keys to a car to anyone who came to him in need. Many will remember him as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, a mentor, and a Christian. He contributed to countless organizations and causes and served on numerous boards, but was most proud of serving on the board of directors for Tidewater Professional Sports for almost 55 years. A man of deep faith, Tench also served God through deaconships and teaching Sunday school. Most recently, he attended Trinity Church.

A man of many interests and hobbies, Tench loved being a bus driver, boat captain, philosopher, historian, amateur meteorologist, story teller, entertainer, and a mechanic. He was a family man who loved his wife, children and dogs fiercely. Some of his favorite roles included dog whisperer, dog sitter, dog chauffer, and dog chef.

The only thing that Tench hated was saying goodbye and he will be immeasurably missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife Lou-Ellen Phillips; his children Tench H. Phillips III (Angela), Janice A. Jester (Doug), David C. Phillips (Janet), Julie A. Phillips (Kyle) Annie L. Phillips, Amy L. Phillips (Nicholas), Clayton S. Phillips (Natasha), Abigail L. Phillips (Dallas), his grandchildren Sarah Winstead, Timothy and Peter Phillips; Rose, Alex, Nick, and Liam Phillips; Emmeline Hogge; Joseph Phillips (and his father, Joey); six great-grandchildren; his sister Anne Phillips Weaver (Charlie); and Gwen Bray and family. He was pre-deceased by his brother Conoly and sister-in-law Betsy Phillips, his previous spouse Virginia C. Phillips, and his furry best friends Sammie, Grace, Eloise, Pippy, Emily, Lovey, and Luna.

A visitation will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm Wednesday, Sept. 7th , at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 2002 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, oceanfront campus, at 1 pm Thursday, Sept. 8, followed by burial at Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Virginia Beach SPCA in honor of Tench's love for animals. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com