GARY PHILLIPS

Gary Phillips, age 82, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born on August 3, 1933, son of the late Alwyn Howell Phillips and Josephine Virginia Duer, of New Bern, NC. He was also predeceased in death by his wife, Ann Parker; and a sister, Dorothy Yvonne Edwards.

Gary proudly served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Far East and French Indo China. He graduated from the University of Richmond, with a degree in Accounting and went to work for Price Waterhouse. Moving back to Rocky Mount, he began working as a Trust Officer for Peoples Bank and Trust Company.

An entrepreneur, Gary was involved with NC Supply Co., Tar River Cable TV Inc., First Carolina Communications, Inc., and Parsons' Woodworking, Inc., among others. In addition to serving on numerous local boards and civic organizations, he also served on various boards of private entities throughout the state.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder and was active in all phases of the church. Gary found pride in his two sons and six grandsons each achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Gary brought joy to many people and will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Gary was a giving man of many interests, and strong, but witty opinions. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Gary leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Gary Stephen Phillips and his wife, Susan Pamela; Stephanie Ann Hayworth and her husband, Lewis Clifton; Stuart Parker Phillips and his wife, Lynda Marie; and Sarah Elizabeth Gooding and her husband, David Royce. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Creighton Lee Hayworth (Rachel), Anne Parker Hayworth and Trevor Ridge Hayworth, Bradley Stephen Phillips, Ann Catherine Phillips and Hannah Elizabeth Phillips, Lauren Marie Phillips, Owen Stuart Phillips, Michael David Gooding and Mark Edward Gooding; his brother, Alwyn Howell Phillips, Jr. and his wife, Joyce Drake, of Rocky Mount; his sisters, Delia Henrietta Willis of Greensboro, NC and Ruth Marie Leduc of Tega Cay, SC.

A Memorial Service was held on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount. Visitation with the family followed the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or to the charity of your choice. The family also requests that you love and honor the Lord, love your family, and cherish every moment of your life.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

Paid obituary