Obituary of Philip Wells Halladay

Philip Wells Halladay "Loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather" Great Valley, NY Philip Wells Halladay, 91, entered into the arms of his loving Savior on Monday, October 19, 2020. He had recently moved to Norton, MA to live near his daughter Lorraine. Born November 6, 1928, in Willoughby, he was the son of Raymond Wells and Rose Abigail (Markham) Halladay. On Friday, February 13, 1948, in Humphrey he married Janet (Potter), his wife of 72 years. They raised 5 children on the family’s small dairy farm. His wife predeceased him on May 14, 2020. Philip attended the Willoughby 1-room school and graduated from Great Valley High School in June 1946. Philip worked for Harry Armes Tractor Sales, Elkdale; Meachum Trucking, Ellicottville; C. B. Norton & Sons Lumber Co., Great Valley; and, Potter Lumber Co., Allegany. Philip enjoyed driving 18-wheelers and was known to his fellow truck drivers by his CB handle ‘High Pockets’. After his retirement in Dec. 1991, he drove part-time for Johnson Boys, Ellicottville and worked part-time for Snyder Manufacturing, Salamanca. As a child, Philip attended the United Brethren Church in Great Valley. Upon his marriage, he and his wife faithfully attended Humphrey Baptist Church and Allegany Baptist Church. Philip was a Town Councilman for the Town of Humphrey for many years and was instrumental in establishing the Town’s volunteer fire department, as well as, being on the Planning Committee, which oversaw the design and building of the Town Garage. Philip enjoyed being involved in politics and served as a Republican Committeeman for the Town of Humphrey for a number of years. Philip was very hardworking and will be remembered for always being busy! It was often said that Philip was happiest when he had a chain saw in his hand. It was a common scene to see Philip either plowing snow, mowing his pristine lawn, or having his head under the hood of a car or truck. He was a self-taught handyman and there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching his genealogy. He was a good neighbor and gave generously of his time to others. He & his wife found great pleasure in traveling to visit friends and family across the USA in their 5th wheeler after retirement. They also shared a fondness for the number “13”, as it had a special meaning to them for important dates in their life together as a couple. Philip was known for his ability to tease, and he especially loved to pick-on and banter back and forth with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; there are many ‘grandpa’isms’ that will be forever cherished. The highlight of any child’s visit to the family homestead was to ride in grandpa’s gator all over the farm. Surviving are his 5 children Janice Law of Winchester, VA, Allen (Linda) Halladay of Carlisle, OH, Jim (Grace) Halladay of Lewisberry, PA, Judson Halladay of Cumming, GA and Lorraine (Rev. Jeffrey) Bailey of Attleboro, MA; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law June Potter and Cec Potter and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents; 1 brother Ralph Halladay, and 1 sister Mae Ehman-Powers. A Memorial Service to honor both Philip and Janet (Potter) Halladay will be held on Tuesday (Oct. 27, 2020) at 11:00 a.m. at the Allegany Baptist Church for friends and family to convey their condolences. A graveside service for family only will acknowledge his final resting place at the Allegany Protestant Cemetery. Rev. Jeffrey R. Bailey, son-in-law, will be presenting the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests his memory be honored with gifts to the Allegany Baptist Church, 3236 Maple Ave, Allegany, NY 14706 or to the Humphrey Volunteer Fire Department, 4591 Humphrey Rd, Great Valley, NY 14741. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.