A Life Well Lived
In Loving Memory of
Philip Mitchell Funk

We celebrate an extraordinary life, well lived.

Philip Mitchell Funk entered this world as a remarkably beautiful baby on June 27, 1979. He was born to his parents, Mitchell Funk and Susan Carico, and was raised in Grayson County, Virginia—a genuine Spring Valley boy who never saw the need to venture too far from the place he called heaven on earth.
Philip treasured the memories of his childhood. He attended Providence Elementary before graduating from Grayson County High School with the Class of 1997.
He loved sharing stories of his younger days—wild adventures that, if you were lucky enough to have been a part of one, you knew every bit of it was true. His stories included his younger sister Jennifer, classmates, lifelong friends, and extended family, each one told with the unmistakable charm that only Philip possessed.
Everyone who knew him had a favorite "Philip Story."

A Bold and Independent Spirit

Philip was fiercely independent from the very beginning.
He mastered riding a bicycle as a toddler and quickly moved on to cars long before he was old enough to hold a driver's license. Four-wheelers, motorcycles, tractors—if it had wheels, Philip could drive it...with or without permission.
There are countless more "Philip Stories" that could be told.

A Love for the Outdoors
Philip had little interest in the modern world. His heart belonged outdoors.
He loved fishing, spending time on the river, and being surrounded by nature. He had a deep love for animals, especially his faithful companion, Dottie Sue.
Creative by nature, Philip enjoyed drawing and painting. He was incredibly inventive and loved building things with his own hands. He could spend hours modifying and improving his old Chevrolet trucks—always a Chevy.
Music was another great passion. Philip loved playing his guitar and singing. His voice could melt your heart, and he had an incredible gift for making people laugh with clever parody songs and rhymes. He was the rhyme master.
He was a natural comedian and storyteller whose sense of humor brought joy to everyone around him.
He also enjoyed a competitive round of golf with his closest friends—always with a little 'Happy Gilmore' mixed in.

A Craftsman Without Equal
Professionally, Philip was a lifelong brick mason.
Hardworking, remarkably strong, and immensely talented, his beautiful stonework became his signature. His craftsmanship can still be found scattered throughout Virginia and North Carolina, standing as a lasting legacy of the work he loved. From schools and homes to fireplaces and hearths, Philip built them all with his giant hands and unmatched skill.
His work will continue to stand for generations.

Family Meant Everything
Although Philip accomplished many things in his life, he considered his greatest achievement to be his daughter, Macy Lynn Funk, born on July 16, 2003.
He loved his family deeply. Whether as a son, brother, nephew, grandson, or father, Philip created unique bonds and cherished memories with each person he loved.
He was a loyal best friend, full of kindness, and always willing to stand up for the underdog.

The Love of His Life
Philip was a loving and protective husband to his wife, Miranda Leanne Funk.
They first met on October 10, 2013.
It was an instant connection.
Looking into each other's eyes, they immediately knew they had found home.
Philip asked her, 'Where have you been?'
Miranda answered, 'Waiting for you.'
From that moment forward, their life together began. They wasted no time.
On July 12, 2017, they were married in a beautiful garden at the historic Trinkle Mansion in Wytheville, Virginia.
Their vows—for better or worse, in sickness and in health—were never just words. They were promises that each carried in their hearts every day.
Their time together on this earth was far shorter than either of them dreamed it would be.
But their love burned brighter than all the stars in the night sky.
Soulmates. Every moment together was treasured.

Strength Through Every Trial
Philip lived fearlessly and without hesitation. He lived life on his own terms and was never swayed by the opinions or expectations of others.
The only thing that ever slowed him down was his health.
As a constant warrior in the battle against kidney disease, Philip endured years of unimaginable challenges. He fought with tremendous courage and remarkable strength, often hiding his suffering behind a smile.
Time after time he defied the odds. He never gave up. His journey was nothing short of miraculous.
Even during his hardest days, Philip remained grateful to God for every blessing and every step along the way.
On June 22, 2026, God granted Philip peace and called him home.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Psalm 55:22
"Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall."
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Until We Meet Again
Philip Mitchell Funk was truly one of a kind.
He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Until we are reunited...

Rest easy.

Beloved Superman.

He is survived by his spouse, Miranda Leanne Funk of the home; one daughter, Macy Funk of Woodlawn; mother, Susan Carico Brown of Baywood, VA; father, Mitchell Funk of Fries, VA; brother, Levi Mitchell and Avery Lindsey of Galax, VA; sister, Jennifer and Jamin Rector of Montana; father-in-law, James Edward Davis of Utah, step-daughter, Taylor and Matthew Holt of Galax, VA; two nephews, John Reid Funk and Hudson Holt both of Galax, VA.

Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Carico Family Cemetery on Lime Kiln Road in Fries, Virginia.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Funk family.