Phillip Henley

Phillip Henley (aka “Coach Henley”, “Coach”, or “Big Phil”), age 64, passed away Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living Center in Abingdon, VA. He was the son of the late Dr. William Henley and Jackie Henley. He is preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Rogers Henley (“Innie”). 

Phillip is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa Henley, daughter Abby Vencill (“Deez) and husband Tyler and daughter Olivia Ratliff (“Weez”) and husband Seth Ratliff. He was the grandfather of Lottie Vencill (“Toodles”) and Lucy Vencill (“Goose”). Phillip is also survived by his sister Kimberly Miller (“Squimmy”) and husband Nathan Miller and brother Todd Henley (“Wally) and wife Robin Henley. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Phillip retired from Russell County School System after 35 years of service. Over the years, he was a teacher, principal, and beloved coach. He also coached at Emory and Henry University during the 2024 football season. Phillip was a member of Gracewood Community Church in Lebanon, VA. Phillip loved his family, was an enthusiastic fan of Florida State Football, and loved spending time at the lake and beach. 

Celebration of Life at Gracewood Community Church, 345 Donald C. Moore Ln. Lebanon, Virginia will be conducted at 7:00pm Friday February 28, 2025, with Pastor Timmy Brown and Tyler Vencill officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00pm until 7:00pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent in Phillip’s memory to The Elk School Community Ministry 52 Hayters Gap Road, Rosedale VA, 24280 and Lebanon High School Football program 105 Charles C. Long Drive, Lebanon, VA. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living Center and also to Jill Baker with MSA Hospice.

Expressions of sympathy may be made on Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service Facebook page and our website at www.chfunerals.com. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service, 291 Hwy 71 Fincastle Road, Lebanon, VA 24266, (276) 889-4444, is serving the Henley family.