Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Lorena Phillips and a brother, Lowell Phillips.
He served in the U.S. Air Force in Germany during the Korean War. An expert computer systems analyst, he spent the majority of his career at McConnell A.F.B. in Wichita, Kansas and Langley A.F.B. in Hampton, Virginia and retired in 1996 after 42 years.
As a member of Smith Memorial Baptist Church in Lightfoot, Virginia for 29 years, he served in many capacities. Mel enjoyed singing in the choir, traveling, was an avid collector of carved wooden birds, walking sticks and canes. He loved to tell jokes. He will be missed by friends and family.
Mel is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lillian; daughter, Evette Marshall (Steve); son, Joel Phillips; granddaughters, Jordan Smith (Ethan) and Tanya Marshall; sister, Lois Phillips; and brother, Gerald Phillips.
A visitation will be held Monday, August 30, 2021 at Smith Memorial Baptist Church, 6515 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia at 10AM with the service to follow at 11AM.
Online condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
