Lester Lawrence Phipps was born May 7, 1936, and left this earth on October 15, 2026. He resided in Dickenson County his entire life.

Lester was one of 16 children, born to Lloyd and Stella Phipps. Besides his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mildred Sutherland Phipps, sisters Bertha Phipps Mullins, Elmira Phipps Smith, Mary Phipps Deel, Irene Phipps Haynes, and Lorene Phipps Crawford. Also preceding him were brothers Ronald Phipps, Sylvester Phipps, Vernon Phipps, Clifford Phipps, Avery Phipps, James Phipps, and his twin brother Chester Phipps.

Lester is survived by sons Daniel Phipps (Vicky), Clark Phipps (Lisa), Grandchildren Cody Phipps, Sean Phipps (Jessica), Lori Beth Phipps Messer (Morgan), and Bryan Phipps (Bella), 14 great grandchildren, brothers Kyle Phipps and Paul Phipps, and sister Martha Phipps Musick. He was the “fun uncle” and was loved by many nieces and nephews.

Lester taught his sons the value of hard work, and to never give up on anything that was worthwhile. He taught them to stand up for what was right, and to help others who needed help.

Lester taught school in Dickenson County for over 35 years, touching the lives of many students who still remember him today. Lester was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt and fish, and spending many hours camping with his family. He loved to raise and train hunting dogs, and hunters often traveled across several states to get one of the dogs he had raised and trained. He was a fierce Clintwood GreenWave football fan, and was excited every year to get his season tickets and go to the Friday night games.

Lester believed in America and our political system, and he was an ardent advocate of the candidates he supported, as well as working tirelessly for the Republican Party, including time as the Party Chairman, and serving on the Dickenson County Electoral Board.

Funeral services for Lester Phipps will be conducted at 7 PM Saturday October 17, 2026, at the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel with Frank Hall officiating. Burial will follow with a graveside service those attending meet at 3 PM Sunday at Phipps Memorial Cemetery Main Street Clintwood, VA. The Family will receive friends from 5 PM till service time Saturday evening.