Otis "Don" Donald Philen, Jr.

Otis Donald “Don” Philen, Jr., 90, of Galax, Virginia, passed away Friday, Jan 2, 2026, at the Hospice House in Charlottesville, Va.

Don was born September 26, 1935, in Pineapple, AL to Otis Donald Philen and Essie Lynn Smith Philen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest Vernon Philen and William Carey “Billy” Philen, a sister Betty Ann Bullard, and wife Charlotte Vaughan Philen.

He is survived by daughters Donna (Sandy) Council of Willow Springs, NC and Charlotte Dickerson of Charlottesville, VA; son Brad (Jasmeen) Philen of Maracaibo, Venezuela; sister Thelma Sue Reynolds of Alabama; 5 grandchildren; and several extended family members.

Following high school, Don served six years in the AirForce, first as a draftsman and later as a pilot. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and then entered the Soil Science Doctorate program at NC State University in Raleigh, NC. His career in NC began as a forensic soil scientist for the State Bureau of Investigation. Later he worked for the NC Department of Natural Resources where he spent much of his time collecting soil samples and mapping the various soils from all over the state.

His true passion, however, was in farming. Upon retirement from NC, he bought a tract of land in Grayson County VA where he founded and operated the New River Hill Farm. His business revolved around landscaping and a tree nursery, but he also raised beef cattle, had horses for pleasure riding, and stocked the ponds with fish. He had a distinct whistle that would bring the cows and horses running to him, like his pets. Always keeping the environment in mind and with a determination to lead by example, he partnered with the New River Soil & Water Conservation District to incorporate best practices on his farm. He carefully designed the pastures and fence lines for rotational grazing, installed solar panels to pump spring water to the hilltops so that pasture troughs could then be gravity fed, he fenced out all the natural streams and ponds on the property to not only protect storm water from contamination and prevent soil erosion, but also preserve sensitive ecological habitats. The farm received multiple awards over the years for proactive approaches to environmentally friendly techniques in farming. Don joined the Board in 1998 and served on numerous committees and multiple terms as director until April 2021. His perspective and experience was a great asset to the board and local community.

In 2014 Don had a unique idea and donated his 140-acre farm to the NRSWCD. It was the first time a working farm had been donated to a district in the state of Virginia. Since then, the district staff has continued his passion for education, farming, and ranching. The board has worked tirelessly to expand the farm by over 700 acres and it is now known as the New River Hill Farm and Forest. The district works with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote learning about soil science, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource protection. There are over four miles of hiking trails that are home to all kinds of birds, plants, and tree species, some of which are quite rare. With frontage to the New River, it has become a destination for kayaking, hiking, bird watching, tree arborists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Don would be so proud of the hard work and commitment by everyone who has supported his vision.

Aside from farm work, one of his many interests was ancestry. He co-authored a book with his cousin titled The Philen Heirloom, which took months of phone calls and countless miles on the road visiting cemeteries and courthouses to uncover the Philen family history. He was an active member of the Lt. Daivd Cox chapter of the SAR, serving as President in 2000 and 2001. He not only participated in reenactments but also had a sincere passion for helping others trace their ancestry and become members of the SAR and DAR. He was an active member of several local service organizations and churches over the years. He was musically talented and could play multiple instruments by ear, most notably the fiddle. Somehow, he found spare time to collect and repair different types of mantle and grandfather clocks.

In 2020, he required additional care and spent the last six years in Charlottesville, VA. The family wishes to thank Christina Lane who became his companion aide. She spent time with him every week taking him to activities, sitting outside in the sun enjoying nature and birdwatching, listening to bluegrass, watching sports or old westerns on tv, and playing trivia with other residents. Christina improved his life immeasurably through her thoughtful care, patience, and love.

A graveside burial service will be held Saturday, September 26th at 4pm at Ebenezer United Methodist Church conducted by Pastor Ricky Bedwell with military rites by VFW Post 7726. The family will receive friends at 3pm at Ebenezer just prior to the service. Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New River Hill Farm and Forest trust, https://www.newriverswcd.org/donate or contact the New River Soil and Water Conservation District office (276) 601-6163.