Philip Nelson Light, loving daddy, husband, son, brother, coach and doctor, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at the age of 61, after a brave and stoic battle with leukemia.
Philip attended Hampden-Sydney College, graduated at the top of his class from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and completed his four-year ophthalmology residency in Washington, D.C.
Philip moved from Norfolk, VA, to Lewisburg, WV, in 1993 and founded The Eye Center of Greenbrier Valley in 2003. It is here in Lewisburg that he planted his life tree, ministering faithfully to his patients through his thoughtful, wise, and diligent work.
As an avid outdoorsman, sailor, skier, soccer coach and musician, Philip approached every aspect of his life with spirit, drive, and tenacity; however, his abiding passion was his family. Philip sought to instill in his children a zest for life and an awareness of the world and its many challenges. He taught, through example and words, the pursuit of greatness in everything through hard labor, sound judgment, careful planning, and working in advance. His gentle strength and humble eloquence earned him the love and respect of his community, from his patients and colleagues to the middle school soccer players he coached. His work as a father is a testament to his spirit, which will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Philip is survived by his wife of 22 years, Tabatha; his daughters, Page and Caroline; his son, Jack; his brother, Dave and sister-in-law, Nicole, and their children, Gracen and Owen; and his Nana, Tana Unroe.
A visitation and celebration of Philip’s life will be held at their home on Rich Hollow Road on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at 6 p.m.
“Life is a great adventure, and I want to say to you, accept it in such a spirit. I want to see you face it ready to do the best that lies in you to win out; and resolute, if you do not win out, to go down without complaining, doing the best that is in you, and abiding by the results.” – Teddy Roosevelt
Online condolences may be sent by visiting WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the May 14, 2018 edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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