Phillips, Tobias Clarence

Tobias (Toby) Phillips of Pearisburg passed away Monday, November 25, 2024, at his home at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Calvert Phillips and Nannie Thurland Phillips.

Toby leaves behind his beloved wife of 26 years, Kathy Phillips, his mother-in-law Mamie Robertson, stepsons Matt Amos and his wife Shaleese and Mark Amos, brother Nelson Phillips and his wife Gelia, and two Granddaughter’s Airika Phillips and Leslie Fisher and their families. His special fur babies, Misti, Marci and Thelma! He is preceded in death by his two brothers, Joe, and Wayne Phillips.

Toby served in the Army reserves for 24 years as a medic and drill sergeant. Later, he went on to serve as the deputy sheriff of Floyd County. He began as an officer at Radford University in 1978 and retired as Police Chief in 2002 with 27 years of service. He was honored to attend the FBINA 178th session in 1994.

Toby loved racing at Motor Mile Speedway, going to antique car shows and swinging on the porch with his wife and canine babies.

He had tremendous talent and skill in both woodworking and car restoration. The patience these two hobbies require shows the kind of person he was, patient, kind, and attentive.

Toby was kind, generous, gentle, and quiet. There could never be a doubt that his love for their dog children was absolute and life fulfilling. The dogs showed him love and devotion in return, staying steadfastly by his side up to the end. Toby and Kathy often rescued older dogs and provided a wonderful life full of unconditional love, welcoming each one with their own unique personality and quirks.

The love and respect between Toby and his wife Kathy were always clear, in the comfortable way they joked and supported each other. Toby’s life motto was to treat people the way you would want to be treated, something he practiced every day. He was truly a remarkable person, and the world is worse for his loss.

Toby is survived by many who will miss him and feel his absence daily.

Services will be held Monday, December 2, 2024, at Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg at 12pm with Russell Austin officiating with visitation starting one hour prior from 11am – 12pm. Burial services will be conducted at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Rd., Dublin, VA. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.