Phil Lee McConnell, Sr.

Phil Lee McConnell, Sr. – Kingsport, TN

Phil Lee McConnell, Sr., 90, Kingsport, TN, and formerly of Gate City, VA passed away, Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Phil was born on September 18, 1934, to the late Leland McConnell and Anne McConnell Donald.

Phil was a Class of 1952 graduate of Shoemaker High School, Gate City, VA. He attended Emory and Henry College.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and also served his community as a member of the Gate City Planning Commission and Town Council. He was also a member of the Civitan’s, the Jaycees, and a very active member of the Gate City United Methodist Church.

Phil worked in research at Eastman Chemical for 36 years. After retiring Phil and Shelby moved to Dacula, GA for 18 years to be near their grandchildren. In Georgia, they made many friends and were very involved in their community and Dacula Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, his brothers Jim McConnell and Ernie McConnell preceded him in death.

Phil is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shelby Lane McConnell; along with his children Phil McConnell, Jr. of Potomac Falls, VA and Suzie McConnell Grap and husband, Jeff of Statham, GA. Phil was blessed with 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Rachel Grap and Ivan (Virginia Beach), Courtney Grap Mosshart and Colby (Woodstock, GA), Drew Grap (Statham, GA), Kaylin McConnell (Potomac Falls, VA), and Luke McConnell (Potomac Falls, VA), and his grand dogs he loved, Baxter, Sasha, Dallas, Zoey, and Munchie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held, Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Gate City United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following.

The burial will be at 2:00 p.m., at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA following the reception at the church. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Hammond Post #3, Kingsport, TN, Post 265, Gate City, VA, assisted by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

Luke McConnell, Drew Grap, Ivan Shehadeh, Colby Mosshart, Hunter Lane, Cole Lane, Rusty Pendleton, Tom Pendleton, and John St. Martin will serve as pallbearers.

Gregg Doiron, John Barger, Whitey Johnson, Sam Turner, Raymond Pendleton, and Walter Cassell will serve as honorary pallbearers.

An online guest register is available for the McConnell family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gate City United Methodist Church, 255 Walnut Street, Gate City, VA 24251.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Phil Lee McConnell, Sr.