Obituaries

John Davis Philpott, Sr., 91, of Bassett, peacefully passed away on November 4, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy Jenison Philpott; son, John Davis Philpott, Jr. (Tonya), Eden, NC; daughters, Mary Stephens Philpott Lawrence (Richard), Smith Mountain Lake, VA, Elizabeth “Gregg” Philpott Moneyhun, Blacksburg, VA; bonus daughters Letitia Kletcke Wilson (Gene), Atlanta, GA, and Elizabeth Anne Kletcke (Jay), Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren Aric Durham Lawrence, Phillip Marshall Moneyhun, Nathan Levi Moneyhun, Holly Jenkins Moneyhun, Robert Faulkner Wilson; and beloved dog Hank. He was preceded in death by parents John Elkanah Philpott and Mary Gertrude Prillaman Philpott; his first wife, Mildred Gregory; siblings A.L. Philpott, Maxine Philpott Dorness, Harry (Bobby) Woodrow Philpott, Helen Claire Philpott Palmour, and Mary Patricia Philpott Petty.

Born in 1931, John lived most of his life in the close-knit Philpott Community near Bassett, VA. He was extremely close to his many cousins and forged friendships that lasted his lifetime. As an adult, he also resided in Martinsville while raising his family. After graduating from Bassett High School, John attended Hargrave Military Academy, Bluefield College, and graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Business Administration. John served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1954-1956. He worked at Prillaman Chemical Corporation for most of his career, with a sales territory spanning several states. The many organizations to which he belonged over the years include the Virginia Tech Hokie Club, local Democratic Committee where he served as chair, Travelers Protective Association of America, Elks Lodge, American Legion, Ducks Unlimited, and Grace Network. A man of faith, John attended First Presbyterian Church, Bassett Memorial United Methodist Church, and Stanleytown United Methodist Church. He enjoyed horseback riding, volleyball, tennis, and was an avid golfer for many years holding memberships at Chatmoss Country Club and Bassett Country Club. When not on the links or rooting for his favorite Virginia Tech Hokies, he enjoyed tending to his gardens, hunting in Philpott, and visiting neighbors around the community he loved so much.

John was the consummate gentleman. He will be remembered for his quiet dignity, love and devotion to his family.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 PM before a Celebration of Life with the Reverend David Westmoreland on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM, in the Hensley Chapel at Wright Funeral Service and Crematory, 1425 Greensboro Road, Martinsville, VA 24112.

The family would sincerely like to thank the amazing staff at King’s Grant for the loving care and compassion John was given throughout his time in Memory Care as well as the nurses from Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for their wisdom and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Wright Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.