Obituaries

James Gray Phillips, 79, of Ridgeway, Virginia, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026. He was born July 31, 1946, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late James William Phillips and Marie Watkins Phillips.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Diane Hollandsworth.

James was a professor for 36 years at Danville Community College and taught electronics to many students throughout his time as a professor. He was a brilliant man, he had three associate's degrees and an honorary master's degree from VT. He loved hotdogs, his guitar and his HAM radio. He loved blues music, southern rock, and various other genres. James was a good provider who loved his family more than anything. There will be no one who can love his wife, Debra, as he did. He loved his entire family dearly, especially his grandchildren and his cat, Zoomer. He was a funny grandpa who loved to carry on and make jokes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Debra Lee Boardwine Phillips; daughter, Leigh Ann Laughon; sons, William “Gray” Phillips and Michael Lee Scott; brother-in-law, Arlen Hollandsworth; and grandchildren, Patience Scott, Noah Gray Phillips, Nicholas Laughon, Caroline Laughon, Devin Dotson; niece, Angela Anthony (Mike); and nephew, Marty Hollandsworth (Heather).

A visitation will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service – Martinsville Chapel.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.