Phipps: John Rex age 87 of Galax, Virginia passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at his residence. He was born in Grayson County, Virginia on October 17,1918 to the late John and Nannie Cox Phipps. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Louisa P. Chrisley and a brother, T. Ralph Phipps. He was married to Margaret Louisa Andrews of Hampton, Virginia on September 27, 1942 and they shared sixty-four years of marriage and friendship. During their marriage they were blessed with two daughters, Louisa and Leesa Phipps. In addition to his wife, Margaret and daughter, Leesa he is survived by two sons-in-law, Rusty White of Galax, Virginia and Randy Chrisley of Greensboro, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Randee Chrisley and Brett Chrisley and a great-granddaughter, Jayla Kimbrough. Rex was educated in Galax City Public School System and then attended North Carolina State University. He later transferred to Virginia Tech where he joined the Corp of Cadets, finishing his senior year as the commander of the K Battery Platoon. Those who knew him, will not be surprised to hear his favorite cadet duty was firing the cannon at the Va. Tech football games. Later, he earned his Masters Degree in the field of Education at Radford University in 1969. Rex had a great talent in the game of baseball. He played for and helped promote the Galax Leafs. He was also a member of Virginia Tech's Baseball team for three years. After returning from World War II, he continued his career playing professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed a great love for his Alma Mater, VPI. He carried the Hokies into every aspect of his life and shared it with all who agreed. He considered his membership in the Honor Guard Corp of Cadets at VP1 among the highest of his many achievements. Rex's desire and love for helping others drove him into a life of teaching and community service. He taught for thirty years at Galax High School in the area of Industrial Cooperative Training. Through teaching and his life-long membership in Galax Elks Lodge #2212, he created strong ties with a great love for the community around him. He was also a member of the Galax Education Association the Virginia Education Association and the National Association. He was also a childhood member of the Primitive Baptist church moving later with his family to the Galax Presbyterian Church. His love of golf was second only to baseball. He was a long time member of his beloved Galax County Club and the Blue Ridge Country Club and also a member of the 1986 Johnie Walker Hole in One Club. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 15, 2006 at 11 :OOAM in the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tom Whartenby officiating. Burial will follow in Felts Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from seven until nine at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home. The family request casual clothing be worn to the visitation and funeral service. (Virginia Tech apparel if possible). In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Va. Tech Corp of Cadets Foundation C/O Un Development 201 Park Building #0336 Blacksburg, Virginia 24060. Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home in Galax, Virginia is serving the Phipps family.