Roy Eugene Philpotts Jr

Roy Eugene Philpotts JR, passed away on June 13, 2023 in Collinsville, Virginia at the age of 92. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia to Roy Eugene Philpotts, and Virginia Brooks Philpotts on September 23, 1930.

In 1956 Gene married Jean Prillaman. They enjoyed a lifetime of laughter about having the same name and were lovingly known as Boy Gene/Girl Jean and later as Papa Gene/Mama Jean.

Gene earned his BS degree from Virginia Tech. He was very enthusiastic about cheering on any Virginia Tech sports team. When called upon, Gene paused his education at Virginia Tech and served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. He enjoyed fishing on the Smith River and Philpot Lake.

He was an educator with Henry County Public Schools for 24 years starting out as a middle school science teacher, then most of his career was teaching adult education. Even after retiring, he continued to teach and tutor young people. Gene was a lefty pitcher in the Navy and for the minor league team Salem Red Sox. His baseball highlight was sitting on the Red Sox bench with Ted Williams. Gene coached and umpired baseball and softball throughout his life.

As a father and Papa, Gene enjoyed passing along his passions for the Virginia Tech Hokies, baseball, and fishing on the Smith River and Philpott Lake. He liked learning and educating, starting with his family. He also enjoyed photography, capturing many special moments of friends and family with the camera and video recorder.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and beloved Aunt Katie Philpotts. He was survived for 3 days by his wife of 67 years, Jean; son Don and daughter-in-law Joyce of Marietta, Georgia; grandson Ryan of Houston, Texas; grandson Jake and grand-daughter-in-law Maggie, of Milton, Georgia; two great grandsons, Andrew and William of Milton, Georgia; sister-in-law Glenda Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; along with many nieces, nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, on August 18, 2023, at 11 AM, preceded by visitation at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Memorial UMC (SmithMemorialUMC.com/give)

To place an online tribute, visit www.CollinsMcKeeStoneBassett.com