Phay Van Phu

Phay Van Phu passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 20 while at home with family.  Phay was born October 19, 1944 in Vietnam as the nineteenth of twenty children. His father, Fou Wan Lien and mother, Hoang Luc Co had both emigrated from China to Vietnam.

As a young man in Vietnam, Phay proudly served as a guide and interpreter assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group.  Many of his lifelong friendships were forged during these years.  He fluently spoke multiple languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and English.

Phay met and married Muoi Thi Truong in 1967.  Together they raised five children and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.

Following the fall of South Vietnam Phay led his family on their escape as part of the “Boat People” exodus. The family landed in Malaysia when their boat sank, and they later settled in Newport News, Virginia where they lived for many years. Phay worked at Anheuser-Busch in Virginia prior to opening Kang Lo Garden, a restaurant that he owned and operated for many years in Gloucester Point.  Phay and his wife recently moved to Flora, MS to spend more time with family.

Phay was predeceased by his parents and many brothers and sisters.  He is survived by his wife, Muoi, brother Chang Phu (Ying-Hoa), sisters Suong Hileman and Chieu Totten, his five children, daughter Thumy Phu Crosby (John), sons Binh Phu (Phuong), Tien Phu, Uy Phu (Kim), and Sunny Phu (Jennifer), grandchildren John Paul Crosby, Joseph Crosby, Maria Crosby, James Crosby, Grace Crosby, Margaret Crosby, Hannah Phu, Loc Phu, Ben Phu, Amelia Phu and Allison Phu.

Phay will be missed by many friends and relatives too numerous to mention here.  He was extremely generous to those in need giving all that he could.  His only care for wealth was his family.  Phay was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins and watched every game that he could. 

A funeral service for Phay will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Madison, Mississippi on Friday March 28th at 11 AM with committal service to follow.

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