Philip Nelson Light, loving daddy, husband, son, brother, coach and doctor, died peacefully 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, DC. Philip moved from Norfolk, VA, to Lewisburg 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, and son, Jack; his brother, Dave; 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 June 7, 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
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
