John Mathieson Philp

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cary Loving, who passed away in November.

Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1938, John was the only son of Willie and Jean Philp. His family immigrated to the United States when he was ten, settling in Canton, Ohio. He went on to study at Kent State University and Ohio State University, and between his two periods of service in the U.S. Army, he married his first wife, Sandy. Believing he could be an effective and thoughtful leader to young soldiers in Vietnam, John volunteered for his second tour, serving as a Captain to combat troops before sustaining severe injuries on June 22, 1968.

After his military career, John turned his attention to broadcasting, eventually moving to Atlanta to serve as a news anchor for WSB‑TV’s evening news. While in Atlanta, John and Sandy welcomed two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth. In 1973, he left broadcasting to begin a long career with United Airlines.

In 2002, John married Cary, and together they settled in Richmond, where he enjoyed retirement by visiting Cary’s family, spending time with his children and grandchildren in Atlanta, generously supporting a wide range of charities, feeding the neighborhood birds, and sharing many a pint with his friend, Tommy, at Rosie Connolly’s Pub. He and Cary also traveled extensively, especially cherishing long trips to Scotland and Hawaii.

A gifted and humorous storyteller, John charmed strangers and friends alike with tales from his long and rich life. He maintained close correspondence with treasured friends and family through his many handwritten letters. He and his stories will be deeply missed.

John is survived by his daughters, Emily Philp and Elizabeth Philp; Elizabeth’s husband, Alex Drummond; and his beloved grandchildren, Beau and Bia.

He and Cary’s ashes will be interred side by side at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in John’s memory to the International Rescue Committee in Richmond, UNICEF, or Habitat for Humanity.