Phillip Reginald Poppell

Posted on April 8, 2022

Phillip Reginald Poppell, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, completed life’s mission in this world to join his Lord and Savior in his heavenly home on Friday, April 1, 2022, at age 69.

Phillip passed away from a major heart attack at his home in Tallahassee. Though Phillip’s family and friends will miss him, we rejoice knowing that he is healed and celebrating in the Lord’s presence for a job well done.

Phillip was born on Jan. 19, 1953 in Ocala to Samuel Calvin Poppell and Sarah Virginia (Jenkins) Poppell, who preceded his death.

He is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Angela Dee (Walker) Poppell; their four children, Hayley Suzanne (James Joseph-JJ) Mahaffey of Crawfordville, Lauralyn Elizabeth (David) Hudgins of Tallahassee, Phillip Wiley Poppell of Tallahassee and Rhett Brinton (Emily) Poppell of Canton, Ga.; six grandchildren, Lawson James Mahaffey, Baye Ashlyn Mahaffey, Brevyn Kate Mahaffey, Locklyn Iris Hudgins, Ashtyn Annette Hudgins and Julian Chase Poppell; brothers, Dr. Sam and Noreen Poppell of Destin, Andy and Kendra Poppell of Ocala and Skip and Beth Poppell of Tallahassee; and sister-in-law, Iris Regina (Walker) and Robert Capps of Wewahitchka; as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Phillip was a devout Christian who throughout his life demonstrated unyielding love and faith for his Lord and Savior. He was a member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church in Tallahassee. Prior to that, Phillip was an active member and winning soccer coach for years at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville.

The Poppell family moved to Perry where Phillip attended his formal years of schooling graduating from Taylor County High School in 1971.

He was a student who actively participated in sports, various clubs and band where he played the saxophone and met Angela, who later became his wife of 44 years.

In 1977, Phillip graduated from Florida State University (FSU) with a degree in education. While at FSU, Phillip was an active member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the Naval ROTC Program where he earned his full commission as a military officer in the United States Navy.

Phillip attended Officer’s Candidate School in Newport, R.I., prior to receiving orders to NAS, Pensacola.

He had several duty stations around the world including the Philippines, Italy, Sicily, Australia, Germany, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. mainland during his years of service. One major highlight over the years of military service was being stationed three years at NAS, Barber’s Point, Hawaii.

During that tour, their first child, Hayley, was born at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Many friends and relatives visited them during that time in Hawaii.

Next, Phillip and Angela got orders and reported to NAS Jacksonville. They settled in Orange Park and welcomed their second baby girl, Lauralyn, at NAS Jacksonville.

Shortly afterward, Phillip and Angela made the decision to keep the family together and moved from active duty to active duty reserve.

He continued as an active duty reservist while his civilian work continued in the aviation field with Northrop Grumman in St. Augustine.

In 1984, Phillip landed a position with Lockheed-Martin/USA where he held many positions.

To further his education, Phillip attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, where he obtained his master’s degree in aeronautical science followed by his dream job at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral as an aeronautical engineer.

To complete the family, two healthy sons, Phillip and Rhett, were born in Titusville.

The Poppell family made Titusville their home for 30-plus years. They were very active in the community and their church.

In 1990 and 1991, Phillip was recalled to active military duty and was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

Phillip, being the dedicated service man that he was, earned numerous and prestigious awards for his exemplary work.

He was awarded with the Admiral’s Letter of Commendation – 6th Fleet Mediterranean Forces for Exemplary Service and Performance followed by the Navy Achievement Medal for Exemplary Support and Services. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Leader Commendation Award, Battle E Ribbon, Selective Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Naval Reserve Ribbons, Naval Expeditionary Medal and others.

Phillip’s unwavering commitment and devotion was first to his family, the lights of his life – his children and grandchildren who called him Papa Phil and listened to his words of inspiration, wisdom, support, stories, and most of all love. Papa Phil always had big shoulders and was very attentive and personable to family, friends, and strangers (who he never met).

He was kind, generous, warm, loving and strong.

Phillip loved the great outdoors, traveling, and spending time in his yard. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating.

He had exceptional turkey calling skills, which he passed down to his grandson.

Phillip was also a walking YouTube Channel. We called him “Mr. Fix It” because he could repair anything put in front of him.

He was a fantastic cook and made the best fried turkey, cornbread and greens. Phillip enjoyed attending sporting events and cheering on the Noles with Angela.

A special thank you is extended to the many families and friends who have supported our family with their love, prayers and other expressions of sympathy. We shall continue to remind ourselves and others who share our grief, to live the remainder of their lives in a way that will lead us to His holy presence.

A celebration of Phillip’s life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Perry on Saturday, April 9, at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by a fellowship luncheon.

Burial will be held at the National VA Cemetery in Tallahassee on Monday, April 11, at 2 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to honor Phillip by attending.