MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — Fred Ambros Phipps III, originally from Blackstone, Va., died at his home in Mechanicsville on Saturday, Aug. 13, with his wife of 22 years at his side, after putting up a strong fight with cancer for over two years.

Fred is survived by his wife, Diane Lashua Phipps; his sister, Janice Phipps Jones; a niece, Shannon Jones Nobles; a great-niece, Elaina Pendergrass (Benjamin) and their children, Benjamin and Savannah. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Beverly Gilbert Lashua of Auburn; a stepdaughter, Erin Gurney (Daryl) and their children, Sam and Elizabeth, of Raymond; three sisters-in-law and four brothers-in law, Glendine Allen (John) of Powhatan, Va., Debbi Briggs (Bob), Denise Brooks (Mike), James (Sue), Gary (Kami) Rick (Carol), and Mike (Janet) Lashua of Maine; and many stepnieces and stepnephews and great-stepnieces and great-stepnephews. He also leaves behind a large circle of devoted friends who were a great support and brought comfort to him during his illness, John Elliott, BH Henley, Steve Evans, Ernie Lewis, John Wetlaufer, Ronnie Staples and Allen Judy, to name a few.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ivory Turner Phipps and Fred Ambros Phipps Jr.; brother-in-law, William Jones of Boydton; father-in-law, Martin Lawrence Lashua Jr. of Danville; and a special aunt, Edith Reid of Petersburg.

Fred retired from DuPont in 1993, following 28½ years of service. He was an avid collector of classic and antique cars over the years, loved bluegrass music and was known for his fastidiousness. Although he didn’t have any pets, he couldn’t wait for spring for the hummingbirds to return to the feeders he placed on his deck and in the backyard. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a dedicated supporter of Sheltering Arms Hospital and was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, The National Chrysler Products Club and the Plymouth Owners Club. Fred was a proud member of the Army National Guard from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1971.