"W.A." Phillips

Mr. W.A. (Willie Arthur) Phillips, 91, of East Ridge, died at a local nursing facility on Feb. 19, 2018. He was married to his loving wife, Virginia and they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on Feb. 3, 2018. W.A. was a WWII veteran, having served in the eastern European theater. After returning home from the war, he began a career at Combustion Engineering, where he worked until his retirement, due to health reasons. W.A. also played and coached lots of softball for Combustion. He was an avid supporter of sports as he rooted for the “Big Orange” and was an avid supporter of Lee College/University basketball and baseball games since 1965. After his retirement, he stayed busy with various projects, always creating needed household items and selling them at local flea markets. He was a long time member of the East Ridge Church of God, now known as the Crossing Church. W.A.’s father was a long term Church of God pastor, Rev. T.L. (Papa) Phillips and his mother was Susie Adele Phillips. He has two brothers, James and Mitchell, and many nieces and nephews. W.A. was father to Randy (deceased wife – Connie Darlene), Connie Looney (husband - Lloyd) and Joyce Moses Ellis (husband - Steve). WA and Virginia have five grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Wendell Smith along with Rev. Terry Harris and Rev. Steve Gilbert officiating. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences and view the memorial tribute. Visitation will be held Wednesday from noon to 2:30 p.m. with interment following in Lakewood Memory Gardens East. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421