[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CHARLES C. PHILLIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JO ANN DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember 
the life of one of my distinguished constituents, Charles Clifford 
Phillips of Newport News, Virginia. Born in January of 1921, Charlie 
grew up in Friendship, South Carolina, where he, like many rural 
Americans of that time, worked on his father's farm. Anxious to see the 
world and to serve his country, he left South Carolina at the age of 17 
and joined the Army Air Corps. After the entry of the United States 
into World War II, Charlie was sent to the Pacific Theater as a bomber 
turret gunner in the famous Red Raiders Bomber Group (22d Bomb Group, 
2d Squadron). Like so many others of his generation, he asked no 
questions and he made no complaints. He fought and won a war that 
guaranteed the security of every American and hundreds of millions of 
others.
  With his job done abroad, he returned to America to begin a new life 
and new family. He met the love of his life, Buena Mae Spurling, in a 
restaurant in Maryville, Tennessee. They eventually moved to Newport 
News, Virginia in 1955, where he joined the C&O Railroad and worked 
until his retirement 28 years later. He and his beloved wife of 60 
years built a family of upstanding, hardworking Americans who carry his 
love of country and his belief in God.
  This country lost a great American on December 23, 2005, just 2 days 
before Christmas and 2 weeks before his 85th birthday. Charlie closed 
his eyes for the last time surrounded by his family. I am told that he 
left this world as he lived in it, with dignity and honor.
  I extend to the family of Charles Clifford Phillips my deepest 
sympathy and my prayers during this difficult time. I am sure you are 
so very proud of him. It is obvious through his service to our country 
during World War II and his love for his family, that he was truly a 
great man.
  I would also like to enter into the Record the obituary of Charles C. 
Phillips.

                    Obituary of Charles C. Phillips

       Newport News.--Mr. Charles C. Phillips, 84, a native of 
     Marion, S.C., a resident of Newport News since 1955, went 
     home to be with the Lord on Dec. 23, 2005. He was a Christian 
     and Veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 22 
     Bomb Group (BG), 2nd Squadron, ``Robinson's Red Raiders'' in 
     the Pacific Theatre. The 22 BG originated out of Langley Air 
     Field in 1941 and was deployed to the Pacific one day after 
     Pearl Harbor. He received several decorations and the unit 
     had several Presidential citations, participating in numerous 
     campaigns as a bomber turret gunner. Mr. Phillips retired 
     from C&O Railroad after 28 years of service. He was the son 
     of the late Chalmers Corcellus and Susan Wall Phillips of 
     S.C. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Marvin, Zach 
     and Wallace Phillips, and sister, Margaret Wagner Worrell. 
     Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Buena Mae Phillips 
     (whom he loved most in the world); two daughters, Margaret 
     ``Cookie'' Tyndall and Michelle Kellam, and husband, 
     Chris; two sons, Charles C. Phillips Jr. and wife, 
     Patricia, and William L. Phillips; one sister, Geraldine 
     Graham of Florence, S.C.; eight grandchildren; five great-
     grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews whom he held 
     very dear. He was provided loving care in his remaining 
     days by his loving family, most notably his son-in-law G. 
     Christopher Kellam and his grandson Caleb J. Kellam. 
     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 
     31, in the World Outreach Worship Center, 1233 Shields 
     Road, Newport News, VA 23608-2062, with Pastor Bob Collins 
     officiating. The family suggests that memorials may be 
     made to the World Outreach Worship Center.

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