Clyde Phillip (Phil) Lanning passed away Monday, August 23, 2010 in Hampton, VA after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A native of Asheville, NC, Phil lived in Hampton and Newport News for over 50 years before building his dream home on Lake Gaston.

Phil began working at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1947, retiring from a management position in the Sheet Metal Department in 1989. He often spoke with pride of his many years there.

As a member of many organizations, including The Progressive Club and The Original Club, Phil liked working to help his neighbors and the community. He especially enjoyed his participation in the Lake Gaston Lions Club during his retirement years as well as the fellowship he found within the Lake Gaston Baptist church. His handcrafted wooden swings grace porches in all the communities he lived in and friends fondly recall his willingness to help with their projects.

Preceded in death by his wife of many years, Ola Rae Lanning, and their much loved dog JP, Phil is survived by his three sons: Larry P. Lanning of Hampton, Charles R. Lanning and his wife, Linda, of Kona, Hawaii and Cory M. Lanning and his fiancé, Patricia McGovern. His grandchildren, Todd Lanning, Levi Lanning and Alexis Izzo have great memories of boating and water skiing with him on Lake Gaston. He is also survived by three of his six siblings: Robert Lanning, Jean Mullikin and Joyce Cason.

Arrangements are being handled by Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, VA and Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, NC. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 28th at 2 pm at Lake Gaston Baptist Church, 128 Lynwood Rd. Littleton, NC 27850 with Rev. Todd Stout officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lake Gaston Lions Club at PO Box 222 Henrico, NC 27842 or to the Lake Gaston Baptist Church.