Varon Virgil Philyaw

Varon V. Philyaw, age 90, of Anderson, South Carolina, formerly of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Monday June 26, 2017.

Mr. Philyaw was born on July 27, 1926 in Cornelia, Georgia to the late Leamon S. and Sallie Mae Burrell Philyaw. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Nix Philyaw; brothers, Ferman Philyaw, Grover Philyaw, Claude Philyaw; sisters, Exie Philyaw, Elise Philyaw Gosnell, Esta Mae Philyaw Roberts, Lillie Philyaw Bell, and one infant sister. Mr. Philyaw was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Anderson, SC and a former member of Habersham Baptist Church for 50 years. He was a United States Navy Veteran, having served in World War II in the South Pacific. Mr. Philyaw was retired owner and operator of Philyaw Motors in Clarkesville for a number of years, and was a real estate salesman.

Survivors include his loving wife of 20 years, Joyce Bowen Philyaw, of Anderson, SC; daughter and son-in-law, Janice Lynn, and Buddy Haynes, of Baldwin, GA; step-daughter, Heather Meetze, of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Michelle, Marcia, and Jonathan; step-granddaughter, Hillary; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Kenneth McEntire and Rev. Johnny Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with Dr. Charles Holland officiating and military honors provided by the United States Navy, Grant Reeves V.F.W. Post 7720, American Legion Post 84, and Rabun D.A.V. #15.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, 2017 and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the funeral home prior to the service.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Concord Baptist Church, 1012 Concord Rd., Anderson, SC, 29621 or Hospice of The Up State, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia. 706-778-1700

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.