Newport News, VA - Mr. Walter Phillips formerly of Reidsville, NC entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Hospice and Support Care of Williamsburg.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601 27th Street, Newport News, VA.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601 27th Street, Newport News, VA.

Walter Phillips, son of the late James "Jim" Phillips and Lessie Moore Phillips was born in Rockingham County, NC on March 25,1934, and departed to move into the room with the Lord on October 3, 2025.

He received his early childhood education from Latti-Cue primary school and Hayes Chapel school in Rockingham County, NC.  He later moved to Newport News, VA and after several employment opportunities, went to work for Newport News Shipbuilding where he retired after 30+ years.  Walter took great pride in his job and the relationships he built during his tenure.

A chance encounter, while a patient at Riverside Hospital, led to Walter meeting the love of his life and soulmate, Gwendolyn Fuller.  Love was his best prescribed medicine and in April 1959 the young couple married and had a wonderful life full of fun, family, and travel.

Walter was a shining star both in his family and community.  He never met a stranger, only a friend he hadn't met yet.  A lover of cars, music, family, and a good time, it was hard not to gravitate into his orbit.  He was quick to offer up a joke and assign you a random lifelong nickname.

A member of the Kings of Soul social club, he and his members traveled, hosted parties and gave back to their community.

Jokes aside, Walter did have a serious side - raised as a Christian, he watched his favorite TV ministers religiously and had a strong relationship with God; evident with how he treated his fellow man.

His siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and all who were blessed to call him friend, held a special place in his heart and he in theirs.  He was everyone's Uncle, brother, and friend.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years Gwendolyn, two brothers, James Lee Phillips (Ruby) and Herman Phillips (Clarice) and six sisters, Gladys Phillips, Betty Phillips Redd, Alice Phillips Hodge (William), Bessie Mae Phillips Joyner (Milton), Eva Phillips Morehead (George), and Beatrice Phillips Garrett (James).

His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones, nephew/son, Lloyd W. Redd, Jr. (Felecia), niece/daughter, Mithico "Mitch" Redd, grandchildren Ryan W. and Avery G. Redd, and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Special thank you to his niece Patricia Diane Perry and friend Mr. Thorel Bazemore Jr. The family is eternally grateful for your kindness, friendship, and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Walter Phillips to Hospice House of Williamsburg.

Announcement courtesy of McLaurin-Harris