Harry Wayne Phipps Passes Away at Age 78 in Rupert
Harry Wayne Phipps passed away peacefully at his home in Rupert on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Crawley, West Virginia, on March 9, 1948, he lived a life rooted in the region, graduating from Rupert High School in 1966 and serving in the Army Reserves.
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The Tech TL;DR:
- Harry Wayne Phipps lived to age 78, passing away on October 13, 2026, at his home in Rupert, West Virginia.
- He owned and managed Phipps Heating & Cooling for many years and served as a trustee at the Greenbrier Avenue Church of God.
- A celebration of life memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Rupert Church of God, with cremation to follow.
Life and Career in West Virginia
Professionally, Phipps operated as the owner and manager of Phipps Heating & Cooling for many years, establishing a long-standing local business presence in the community. Beyond his trade, he maintained deep ties to local congregations. He attended the Greenbrier Avenue Church of God for many years, where he served as a trustee, and later became a member of Orient Hill Tabernacle.
Away from work and church leadership, Phipps spent much of his time outdoors. According to legacy.com, he enjoyed nature, specifically pond fishing and bow hunting, alongside spending time with his dog, Oliver.
Family and Survivors
Phipps is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sherry Phipps, as well as his son, Jason Phipps, and daughter, Amber Tharp, who is married to Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Freda Loudermilk, who is married to Timmy. His grandchildren include Abigail Grace Tharp—whose fiancé is Elijah Perkins—Summer Rain Phipps, Emily Shea Cline, and Paige Kashola.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Frank Phipps and Mattie Jones Phipps Bryant, as well as his grandparents, Lewis and Virginia Phipps and Gordon and Georgia Jones.
Memorial Service Takes Place October 20
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at the Rupert Church of God on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Aaron Davidson officiating. A private graveside service will follow cremation. Wallace & Wallace of Rainelle served the Phipps family, with an obituary published on Legacy.com by Wallace & Wallace Inc Funeral Chapels & Crematory on October 14, 2026.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to the Greenbrier Valley Children’s Home, located at 331 Seventh St., Rupert, WV 25984.