Joseph Dylan Phillips, known lovingly to family and friends as Dylan, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia, after a courageous battle with a long and severe illness. He was 33 years old.
Born on October 5, 1992, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dylan grew up with an unmistakable warmth that drew people to him from an early age. He graduated from high school in Amity, Arkansas, where he began building the countless friendships that would define his life. Dylan never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed his path quickly came to love him. His gentle spirit, kind heart, and wonderful sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A hard worker throughout his life, Dylan most recently worked for Springhill Marriott in Lynchburg, Virginia, a fitting profession for someone whose natural gift was making others feel welcomed and valued. His deep love for America and everything the country stands for was a cornerstone of who he was. When he was not working, Dylan could be found doing what he loved most: hunting, fishing, and spending time in the great outdoors. He absolutely loved time spent looking after his beloved nieces and nephews. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, whom he loved dearly. He was, in every sense, the best son, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could ask for.
Dylan is survived by his mother, Tonya Justis (Frank); his sisters, Chelsea Lynch (Jason), Kinsley Mayberry (Lukas), and Hannah Olcott; his nieces, Randi and Sophia; and his nephews, Owen, Harrison, and Luka. Also, a ton of cousins, aunts, and uncles…who he loved dearly! Dylan also has too many friends to list, in which he considered family. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Phillips, grandfather Patrick Phillips, grandmother Cynthia Phillips, grandfather Harold Magill, and grandmother Bonnie Magill.
May Dylan find eternal peace and rest in the arms of his Heavenly Father, reunited with his family who passed before him, free from pain and illness at last.
A celebration of life will be held on August 22 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Solara Ridge, located at 7903 Charlemont Rd, Goode, VA 24556. Family and friends are welcome to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable life Dylan lived.
“We will endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you.” Gone but never forgotten, Dylan will remain forever in the hearts of all who loved him.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.