Philip Edwin Flagg, Sr., 95, died March 25 at the Garden Court, Camden Health Care Center in Camden.
Philip was born on April 9, 1912, in Skowhegan, the son of Edwin E. Flagg, Sr., and Beryl (Russell) Flagg. He attended North Anson Academy in North Anson. On June 10, 1940, he married Viola Sanborn and in 1945 they moved to Rockland, where they made their home for many years.
He worked as a horse trainer for sulky racing in his early years. After this he went on to driving trucks for a variety of companies, spanning over 49 years as a truck driver, and ultimately retiring from trucking from R.C. Moore in 1976. When he was on the road trucking, his CB handle was Silver Fox . Philip worked at Hannaford, retiring after 20 years and then worked for Target Marketing in Rockland. He was a devoted husband, caring for his wife at home, and stayed by her side until she passed away in 2002.
Philip enjoyed gardening, a passion which he shared with his wife, Viola, for many years. He loved the outdoors and staying active and the family has many memories of the enjoyable times they shared, especially camping at Pushard Pond. In later years, every day he could be found at the Wayfarer until its closing and then at the Brass Compass or the Rockland Café for a morning breakfast and chit chat with his many friends.
Philip was predeceased by his wife, Viola in 2002; brother, Edwin Everett Flagg, Jr. and sister, Altana Chase.
He is survived by daughters, Joyce Olsen, and husband Frank of Warren and Rita Webster and husband Ron of Georgia; son, Philip Flagg, Jr, and wife Kathy of Bangor; grandsons, Frank Olsen and wife Karen, of Ellsworth, Robert Olsen and wife Melissa of Weare, N.H., and Spencer Raffeal of Georgia; granddaughters, Kathy Smarrella and husband Tim of Limerick, Jessica Olsen, and fiancé Mike Batty of Glen Cove, Anne-Marie Flagg-Campbell and husband Jim of Rockport, and Susan Slick and husband Clint of Altus, Okla.; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Webber of North Anson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a joint memorial service for Philip and Viola 2 p.m., Sat., May 17 at the Thomaston Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Sawyer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 in memory of Philip and Viola Flagg.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall & Bibber Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston, Maine 04861.
