Fort Mill, SC

Elmer Lewis Phillippi, age 91, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017 at The Haven in Charlotte, NC.

Elmer was born March 9, 1926 in Smyth County to the late Edward F. Phillippi and Lulu J. Pickle Philippi. He attended and graduated from Sugar Grove High School in 1944. He was a proud veteran of the Army - Air Corps who honorably served his country. Elmer was trained as an aerial photographer which served him later in life as a career photographer. He worked for Dave Greer in Marion, VA from 1946-1951. He then joined Delmar Studios and served as a District Manager until he retired in 1991. He loved to work outside and take landscape pictures of Smyth County. He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all who knew him.

Elmer was a member of Rye Valley Ruritan Club, American Legion (chapter member) – Martin Ross Post, life member of the Virginia Archeology Society, Scout Master for 20 years and a member of Wharf Hill United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Jo Dutton Phillippi; one sister, Dorothy Hall; and three brothers, Edward, Richard and Charles Phillippi.

Elmer is survived by one daughter, Pam Harrington of Fort Mill, SC; one son, Mark Phillippi and wife, Lisa of Fort Mill, SC; four grandchildren, Chris Harrington, Cayce Emanuel, Scott Phillippi, Ethan Phillippi; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Wharf Hill United Methodist Church, 5522 Sugar Grove Highway, Sugar Grove, Va. 24375 with the Reverend Mike Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. The family will receive friends at Wharf Hill United Methodist Church after the burial. 

Expression of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Elmer Lewis Phillippi.