Phillip Eugene Christian, Sr.
Philip Eugene Christian Sr., aka "Genie, and Phil" of Charlottesville, VA took his eternal flight to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Philip was born September 30, 1947, to the late Harry Byrd Christian and Willie Mae Dayne Christian. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal parents, his son Philip E. Christian, Jr. (PL), his sister, Paula Taylor, and a brother William Christian (Bill).
Philip accepted Christ at the early age of ten and was baptized at Scott Zion Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Virginia. Philip was blessed to serve God's people in many capacities at the Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church. He served as a Trustee for twenty-three years and was the Servant Leader for thirteen of those years. Under his leadership, Mt. Zion consecrated the first woman Trustee who opened the door for three others.
Philip worked faithfully in the church as well as his community. He assisted with the design of the sound system at the former Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church. He served as a Sunday School teacher for five years and Vacation Bible School teacher for four years. He chaired the Unity Committee, served ten years on the Church Anniversary Committee, served on the Building Committee, served on the Pastor's Anniversary Committee, and the Building Committee for the new Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church edifice, and was Building Manager from 2004-2008.
After stepping down from Trustee Ministry, he accepted the call to serve as Deacon, and on April 5, 2009, he was ordained to the Diaconate Ministry. Philip had a strong belief that one should always do whatever he or she can to help someone in need, and he stood willing of heart and spirit to do just that in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His favorite scripture was Matthew 4:19 Jesus said, "Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Philip served a tour of duty in the US Army. He was part of the US First Air Calvary Division, one of the most decorated combat divisions of the United States Army. Also, Philip was a member of the American Legion post 74 of Charlottesville, VA.
Philip retired from Virginia Electronics and Components after 40 years. He watched VEC evolve from a local electronics & radio parts supply store to a regional distributor of Datacom. He enjoyed fishing with his wife, and son, and the church fishing trips. He loved gardening, especially planting seeds and watching them grow. He was an avid fan of his favorite football team the Pittsburgh Steelers. Philip loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and Godchildren.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife, Lee Chrisitan, one daughter-in-law, Heather Christian, two granddaughters, Sa'Dae Scott and Syncere Christian of Staunton; step-granddaughters, Ky'Nasia, Tersea', Mich'Aela, and DaShayla White of Staunton; sisters, Nadine Ashley and Sandy McDaniel of Madison Heights, VA, Sue Franklin (George) of Concord, VA; three brothers, Harold Christian and Randy Christian of Madison, Heights, VA, and Harry Christian (Gloria) of Topeka, KS., one aunt, Ann Christian of Madison Heights, VA, four sisters-in-law, Marjorie Braxton, Mary Braxton, and Helen Braxton all of Amherst, VA; and Shirley Braxton of Brooklyn, NY; a god-daughter, Melanie Wade of Springfield, VA; god-Son, Marchello Urriah Moore of Chesterfield, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A public viewing will be on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 4-6 pm at McClenny Funeral Service Inc., 600 Henry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 am at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church and the interment at Holly Memorial Gardens, Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Alvin Edwards will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church Building Fund, 105 Lankford Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
