Raymond M. "Hoke" Phillips

Raymond M. “Hoke” Phillips, 76, of Washington, died at 9:50 a.m., on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Washington Hospital after a brief illness. He was born August 7, 1931, in Greene County, a son of Arthur L. and Leanna Carter Phillips. Mr. Phillips was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, with the 779th Troop Carrier Squadron, during the Korean Conflict. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He was honorably discharged on March 11, 1956. Mr. Phillips was a paper worker with Union Camp for 42 years. He was a member of Old Concord Presbyterian Church, and was a 1950 graduate of Trinity High School. Mr. Phillips was a member of the Washington Moose Lodge, and the Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed horse racing. On November 11, 1951, he married, Patricia Stephenson, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Randall L. (Lisa) Phillips, of Washington; a daughter, Sandy K. (Frank) Mendicino, of Washington; 2 brothers, Paul E. Phillips, of Washington and Carter Phillips, of Graysville; 2 sisters, Nancy Beabout, of Waynesburg and Mary Louise Barna, of Florida; and 4 grandchildren, Nicholas and Nicole Phillips, and Michael and Julie Mendicino. Deceased are a brother, Clarence “Mitch” Phillips and a sister, Betty Minor. Friends will be received on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Susan VandeKappelle officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial donations to the charity of donor’s choice.