Joel E. Phillips, 80, of East Flat Rock, NC passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Joel was born in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 19, 1941, to the late Everett E. Phillips and Zelma P. Langer Phillips.

Joel’s prior residences include Iowa and Venice, FL.  As a young adult, he served in the Navy prior to his career in firefighting. Joel retired as a Battalion Chief from the Venice fire department after serving for more than 20 years.

Joel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia A. Phillips; daughters, Kimberly Sears (Edward) of East Flat Rock, NC,  Kelly Wyant (Shawn) of Etowah, NC, and Kirsten Thompson (Andy) of Venice, FL; grandchildren, Jeremy Sears of Port Charlotte, FL, Tyler Wyant of Etowah, NC, Courtney Sears of Port Charlotte, FL, Taran Wyant of Etowah, NC,  Traci Wyant of Blountville TN, and  Shelby and Ethan Thompson of Venice, FL; and great-grandchildren, Aria Sears of Port Charlotte, FL, Maison Sears of Port Charlotte FL, and William Konle, Blountville, TN.

Services are private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joel’s memory to Four Season’s Hospice in Hendersonville, NC.