Willie Philpot

PHILPOT---Mr. Willie Philpot, age 90 of Orange Park, FL passed away on Monday March 23, 2026. Born to: Charlie Sanford and Lillie Lee Philpot on 3/19/1936. He lived with his grandparents and started his formal education 2 years late but was a gifted student. He graduated and went to: Washington Junior College where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Philpot they both received an AA Degree on June 3, 1958

The couple then united in marriage on September 29, 1958 in South Carolina. They were married and had their first born daughter, Alana Denise Philpot on July 31, 1962 while stationed at Millington Naval Base just 20 miles north of Memphis TN.

He (Willie) would travel to other states for school and training during his early military career.

In 1966 the couple welcomed the birth of their second daughter, Lydia Ann Philpot. She too was born at the same hospital in Millington TN.

Willie was then ordered to Yokohama Japan for a three year stint. While there, he and Dorothy welcomed a baby boy, Leighton Russell Philpot in November 1969. After Japan he and his young family got stationed in Meridian MS where they lived in base housing and his kids started school. In 1975 he was stationed in Jacksonville Florida where he served at both NAS Jax and Cecil Field. He ended his 30 year military career as an E9 Master Chief.

After his military career Willie sold insurance for a brief stint, went to UNF and then signed on with the postal service as a rural carrier. He decided that wasn't the right fit for him and later transitioned to the Bulk Mail Center where he worked for approximately 18 years. He successfully provided a wonderful life for his devoted wife and family.

Willie was known by various names: Son, Tanny, Phil, Willie, Master Chief, Friend, Daddy, Pa, Goompa, and Pawpaw

His mother, Lillie Lee Willis preceded him in death on 8/2/82. His oldest daughter, Alana Denise Philpot preceded him in death on 9/25/96. His wife, Dorothy M (Winningham) Philpot also preceded him in death on 11/27/22.

He leaves behind his daughter: Lydia, son: Leighton, granddaughter: Anecia (Philpot Brown) Smith, her husband, Michael Smith, and his great granddaughter: Aniyah Alana Smith, as well as his good friend, Roosevelt Beckwith.

Funeral services in celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday April 1, 2026 in the chapel of Jacksonville Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL with Rev. Ronnie Fowler officiating. Willie will be laid to rest with his wife in the Garden of Prayer at Jacksonville Memory Gardens following the service. Family members will greet friends from 10:00 AM until the hour of service on Wednesday morning at the funeral home. All are encouraged to share photos, condolences and other remembrances of Willie on the Tribute Wall here.

I'm sure he would like to thank each and every one of the Visiting Angels, Enhabit and Concierge for caring for him over the last couple of years. You became our friends and like part of our extended family. Thank you and GOD BLESS each one of you.