Donald Eugene Phipps

Donald Eugene Phipps USA LTC (ret) went to be with his Lord on Monday, December 21, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter C. (Doc) and Iown A. Phipps.
Don was born in Bristol, VA but grew up in Johnson City, TN where he had a paper route, was 1st trumpet in his high school band and attended ETSU for one year before transferring to UT where he joined Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.
He returned to ETSU after one year and was instrumental in taking a local fraternity national (the first on campus) with Phi Sig and later became president. After other local frats went national Don was instrumental in forming an Inter Fraternity Council and bringing the first big band, the Tommy Dorsey Band to campus.
In high school he reached the rank of Sgt in a reserve unit. He joined ROTC where he was in Perishing Riffles, Scabbard and Blade and was on the rifle team. Upon graduation he entered the US Army as a 2d Lt.
Don served with the 2nd and 4th Armored, and 1st Calvary Division, and retired with numerous medals including the Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge. He instructed on Davy Crockett tactical nuclear weapon and participated in a nuclear safety and EOD.
He toured the Holy Land with the Lutheran Pastor Stowe. Don was a square dance caller for the Heidelberg Hoedowners and the Mannheim Mixers. Upon retirement he earned a BA in real estate from St. Leo and entered that profession. One year he was rated the third highest selling agent on the Peninsula. Don became a broker and eventually became Sales Manager at Coldwell Banker Professional. He served as President of VA Certified Real Estate Specialist, VA Certified Real Estate Brokers and VA Peninsula Association of REALTORS. He won REALTOR of the year and Manager of the year. Don was an original member of REBAC and helped introduction of byers agency. He was a graduate of the Leadership Institute (CofC and CNU).
Don is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Naurene; sons, Michael R., Christopher S., and Bradley W. (Miranda, Nickolas, Melonie, Triston, and Travis).
Service information will follow and an inurnment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

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