Philip Vallandingham

In Loving Memory of Philip Vallandingham 2/7/1938 - 2/2/2026 Philip Vallandingham, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected community leader, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He lived a life defined by faith, service, integrity, and deep devotion to those he loved. Philip was born in Barboursville, West Virginia, to Granville Pickard Vallandingham and Glada Ellen Cyfers Vallandingham. He grew up in Barboursville, though during World War II he began school in California before returning home, where his roots remained strong throughout his life. He graduated from Barboursville High School and went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in Accounting and met the love of his life, Ila Jeanne Pewitt Vallandingham. Philip and Jeanne shared sixty-two years of marriage marked by laughter, partnership, and an undeniable spark that strangers and friends alike often noticed and admired. Their love was a constant throughout his life and remained his greatest joy. Philip dedicated more than fifty years to The First State Bank, serving as Chairman and President. Through his leadership, he helped countless individuals and small business owners pursue and achieve their dreams. His commitment to community banking extended beyond his hometown, as he remained actively involved with independent bankers on the local, state, and national levels. In the early 1990s, he served as President of the Independent Community Bankers of America, advocating for community banks on a national stage and forming lifelong friendships along the way. He was widely respected as a businessman and cherished as a mentor and friend. Family was the heart of Philip's life. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Vallandingham; his children, Philip Andrew Vallandingham; Stephanie Mayberry (Sean); and Sam Vallandingham (Christie White). He was a proud grandfather to Leah Ching (Jess), Andrew Ching (Katie), Samantha Mayberry, Madison Mayberry, Savannah White (Liam Cackowski), and Pierce White, and a joyful great-grandfather to Norrie Ching and Rowan Ching. Philip also shared a lifelong bond with his cousin Jack Dilley (Marsha), who was raised by Philip's parents like a brother, lived next door to Philip and Jeanne, and worked alongside him at the bank. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, including the entire Minichan family, Steve and Jane Saal, and Mike and Jane Ferrell. Philip found great joy in storytelling, reading, poetry, and travel, which took him across the country and around the world. He was an avid golfer and especially treasured the time he spent golfing alongside Jeanne. He loved animals, the beach, and all forms of entertainment and art, including the small theater Alhambra in St. Augustine. In 2002, Philip and Jeanne fell in love with the charm and beauty of St. Augustine, Florida, and decided to make it their home. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, and he was a lifetime member of Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Virginia and Memorial Presbyterian Church in Florida. Philip's faith carried him through many seasons of life, and his family finds comfort in knowing that he was welcomed home by his Creator. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Philip's honor to the American Cancer Society. Philip Vallandingham will be remembered for his generosity, wisdom, unwavering faith, and above all, his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the community he so faithfully served. A public visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service celebrating Philip's life at 3:00 p.m.

Philip Vallandingham

February 7, 1938 - February 2, 2026