Phillip Stewart Lovelace, who just had his 75th birthday, passed away in his home with his loving wife, Junalyn by his side in Lynchburg, Virginia, on January 29, 2024. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, leaving behind many beloved family members and friends.

Phillip was born on November 24, 1948, in Lynchburg to the late Perley Lovelace and Dollie P. Lovelace. He grew up in Long Island, Virginia, where his mother was a school bus driver, and his father was a foundry worker, along with being a successful tobacco farming couple. Phillip worked in the fields and performed other farming duties alongside his parents and his siblings, and later became a high school football star known as a handsome fellow with a tall stature and broad shoulders.

Like his father, Phillip enlisted in the military, joining the Air Force at 18 years old, shortly after graduation. His travels took him all around the world and placed him in Thailand during the Vietnam War. After close to two decades of military service, Phillip worked at Abbott Laboratories for several years before early retirement due to disability. He received years of specialized care and support from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Phillip was an avid music lover across many genres. He also enjoyed action movies and sports and was a long-time fan of the Washington Commanders. His favorite color was red, and he loved cars, including his treasured red Cadillac. Phillip had a playful, sly sense of humor, joking with and teasing loved ones whenever he could.

Phillip also remained connected to and served as a deacon at the church he grew up in, Hills Creek Baptist Church in Gladys, Virginia. When his health started to decline, he continued to attend Cornerstone Community Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. He had a passion for God and shared his dedication and faith with his family, often praying with and for them.

Phillip was the last of his original birth family to be called home to the Lord. He joins his parents, Perley (2019) and Dollie P. Lovelace (2014); his brothers, Vincent Lovelace (2022), Kenneth O'Shea Lovelace (2009), and Isaiah Lovelace (1974); and sister, Deronda Lovelace Brightwell (2014), in heaven.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Junalyn Lofranco Lovelace, with whom he shared an eight-year loving marriage. He is also survived by his children, Tonya Renee Lovelace of Silver Spring, Maryland, Tshombe O'Shea Lovelace of Dayton, OH, Jovelyn Lovelace of the Philippines, Crystal Shalom Parham of Hampton, VA, Tiffany Jones of Lynchburg, VA, and Tamera Arelia Lovelace of Charlottesville, VA; seven grandchildren, Jamila Diarra Lovelace of Silver Spring, MD, Rodrigo Depista, Jr., Rhodlyn Depista, Rodrigo Depista, III, Rodrigo Depista, IV, Rodelyn Depista, and Rodgen Jhon Depista all of the Philippines; and a host of beloved aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.

Phillip's Favorite Scripture was…Psalms 23.

Rest in Heaven, Phillip

A homegoing celebration will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 03, 2024, at Hills Creek Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.