Bruce Douglas Phipps

Bruce Douglas Phipps, of Clemmons, NC, died peacefully on June 3, 2023. Bruce displayed until the end an almost unmatched quiet tenacity, commented on frequently by those close to him and by the dear nurses and hospice workers at Silas Creek Rehabilitation Center in Winston-Salem who aided him with grace. He was in equal parts inquisitive, serious and focused but with a boyish sense of humor that displayed itself more and more in his last years.

Born to William and Clara Phipps on August 21, 1936, in Durham, NC, Bruce was the oldest brother to three sisters: Nan, Anita and Marsha, all living. At 19, his shy, dependable personality caught the eye of the more gregarious Wanda Adkins who survives him and to whom he was married for 67 years. After factory work led to enlistment in the U.S. Army, Bruce pursued one of his life's loves, obtaining a music degree from Piedmont Bible College. He went on to become the choir director for several churches in NC and VA. In addition, he came to practice his true life's work as a school administrator for a variety of Christian schools, the latest of which was Portsmouth Christian School in Portsmouth, VA.

Survived by three daughters--Kimberly Norris, Cheryl Corts, Misty Smyrnios, and their spouses, and a son, Chris Phipps--he was the proud grandfather to five granddaughters, three grandsons and six great-grandchildren. They will all remember his patience, sweet nature, unassailable work ethic, and especially his love of Christ. Anyone who crossed his path would likely affirm all of the above and, again, his Christian spirituality.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel (108 E Kinderton Way, Advance, NC 27006). Burial will follow in Westlawn Gardens of Memory. Donations to Portsmouth Christian School can be made in his name here: https://www.portsmouthchristian.org/about/support-pcs/.  On line condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.