FRANKLIN — Edward “Eddie” Aldon Phillips completed his journey through this life peacefully on Jan. 1, 2016, at the age of 80 surrounded by family.

Born in 1935, he was the oldest son of the late Aldon Parry Phillips and Hattie Mae “Pat” Phillips Clary.

He was a Methodist and an usher at High Street United Methodist Church.

Eddie lived a life dedicated to his community. His service began with his enlistment in the United States Army, where he served before being honorably discharged. After marrying the love of his life, Carol Ferguson Phillips, and starting a family, he attended Chowan College, Ferrum College and subsequently graduated from Campbell College.

He dedicated his professional life to Western Tidewater as the area’s environmental specialist for 32 years, which garnered him great respect from local restaurants and businesses. After retirement, he was a substitute teacher and volunteer for both area school systems.

Eddie was devoted to many civic organizations. His service began with the Jaycees, where he remained active for many years. He served as an officer, assisting with various projects including chairman of the Franklin Christmas Parade. He was a member of the local Moose Lodge and a volunteer with the Franklin Fall Festival. He was recipient the Community Builder’s Award in 2010 from the Franklin Masonic Lodge. However, Eddie’s involvement in the Boy Scouts and American Legion brought him the greatest joy. He remained active in Boy Scouts for over 30 years, beginning as an assistant scout master and ending as the District Advancement chairman and head of the Eagle Board of Review. He was given the Citizenship in the Community Award by the Boy Scouts in 2012. He was a vigil honor member of Wahunsenakah Lodge 333.

While part of the American Legion, he held several positions, including commander, Poppy chairman, and Flag Committee chairman for several years. For nearly 30 years, he took on the responsibility for ensuring flags were placed on the graves of all local veterans in Poplar Springs Cemetery.

Eddie loved sports. He coached Little League Ball for several years. He participated in Church League softball, umpired youth and adult softball and baseball, and was a football referee for the VHSL. He could be seen running the clock at Franklin and Southampton football games for many years. In his younger days, he was an avid pool player. Eddie was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins.

In addition to his wife, Eddie is survived by two daughters: Cindy Rubino (Elliott) of Annandale, Virginia, and Nancy Scott of Wichita, Kansas; two sons: Edward “Eddie” A. Phillips II (Bonnie) of Windsor, Virginia, and P. Scott Phillips (Amy) of Franklin, Virginia; one son-in-law, Rusty Chase of Windsor; two brothers: William F “Billy” Phillips (Toni) of Franklin, and Charles Phillips (Jane) of Richmond, Virginia; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and his dedicated caregivers, Billie, Bea and Tracy.

In addition to his parents, Eddie was predeceased by his daughter and special angel, Karen Chase.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, in the Wright Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Nathan Decker officiating. The burial with military honors will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home on Monday, Jan. 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to High Street United Methodist Church in memory of Edward Phillips for Troop 17, or Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.