John Martin Phillips passed away on November 17, 2012 and his wife, Glenna Ruth Shannon Phillips passed away on April 20, 2012. They were residing in Dunbar, WV and had previously lived in Lindside, WV. Both passed away peacefully at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.
John was born in Coal Camp #2, Wharton, WV on July 18, 1948 to Robert and Jewel Mae Phillips. He was survived by two brothers and two sisters; Bobby and wife Gerry Phillips of Lindside, WV, Lanny and wife Brenda Phillips of Ashville, NC, Lida Robin and husband Jim Flaim of Smithfield, VA, and April and husband “C.A” Comer of Wikel, WV. John joined the Navy shortly after graduating Creighton High School during the Vietnam War and toured twice as a Corpsman.
Glenna was born in Quinwood, WV on January 28, 1951 to Glen “Kitty” and Sadie Eloise Shannon. Glenna also graduated from Creighton High School with a distinction of being “advanced” and graduated at the age of 16. She then went to University of Charleston School of Business.
John and Glenna happily married on June 14, 1970 in Quinwood, WV. Over the course of the many years to come, they together accomplished and changed the world more than they could have ever imagined. John served in the Navy for 21 ½ years until retiring as HMCS or simply known as “Senior Chief”. His tireless work ethic and determination changed the standard of every station he graced with his presence, specifically changing how the Navy manufactured eyeglasses – from 30 pairs a day to over 1000 pairs. Glenna had the hardest job, that of the “Navy Wife”. Besides assisting Johnny wherever she could, Glenna was very active in the Navy community and was a key member of the McGruff Crime House – helping fight drugs and domestic violence in local communities.
Once they transitioned from Navy life, they settled down in Lindside, WV. Most people knew John from Bob’s Grocery, Foodland, or simply “the most big-hearted person you could ever meet”. Together, John and Glenna stayed active in the Monroe County Community. Wherever there was someone who needed a helping hand, an ear to listen to, or just some potatoes from the garden, they could be found bearing smiles and love.
Finally John and Glenna moved to Dunbar, WV in 2005 to be closer to family and to medical facilities. They spent their remaining time here – living, loving, and laughing with God’s grace. On April 20, Glenna passed away in body, but her spirit went with the Lord. And on November 17, Johnny went peacefully, to go “home” to see Gabby.
John and Glenna were survived by their two sons; John “Shane” Shannon and wife Sharon Phillips of Dunbar, WV; Glen “Charlie” and wife Leah Phillips of Virginia Beach, VA; five grandchildren; Samantha Reaen Phillips of Manhattan, KS; Jessie Kalia Phillips of Dunbar, WV; Sean Alexander, Elijah Charles, and Noah John of Virginia Beach, VA, and one soon to be great-grandchild, Liam J. Roberts.
John and Glenna wished to be cremated. There will be a memorial service at the Wickline Funeral Home in Lindside, WV on November 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All friends and family are welcomed to come celebrate the lives of John and Glenna Phillips.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lindside Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 156 Lindside, WV 24951 or Hubbard Hospice House 1001 Kennawa Dr. Charleston, WV 25311.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Arrangements by Wickline Funeral Home of Lindside, WV.

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