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1951 Billy 2020

Billy Phillips

March 17, 1951 — April 13, 2020

Billy Phillips
1951 – 2020

William (Billy) Lee Phillips, 69, walked through the pearly gates of heaven and kneeled at the feet of our Lord and Savior on April 13, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving family who are sad his presence is no longer here but he is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus, who has erased all of his pain after a courageous battle of lung and bone cancer that he fought tirelessly and bravely so this his wife, children and grandchildren could cherish every day with him!

Billy was the beloved son of the late Willie Caldwell Phillips and the late Lorenee Ingle Rhymer. He is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Phillips, his loving daughter, Christy Phillips-Brown and son-in-law, Jason Brown, of Charlotte, N.C., his son, Scott Phillips of Trinity, N.C., and his three grandchildren of whom he adored, Hailey Phillips, 16, Hannah Phillips, 9, and Seth Phillips, 7, who were his best friends! He is also survived by his sister Ginger Phillips, sister-in-law, Nancy Phillips, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Cecil Phillips and Gary Phillips, and his sister Jean Phillips Davis.

He was a proud graduate of Cramerton High School, where he played basketball with his bright red hair, where he rightfully so earned the nickname, "Red," and was a member the band, The Scotsmen, who he would always claim they would've been the Beatles had he not met his wife Carolyn, where they just celebrated 50 years of marriage.

He was a dedicated employee of Burlington Industries/Galey & Lord for 39 years, before retiring in 2009. He was the "clown" of the office, always kept his co-workers on their toes telling jokes and on the go. He loved his work family so much and always told stories of their crazy adventures!

Most importantly, Billy was a man of God, spread the gospel and brought many to the alter to dedicate their lives to the Lord through his music, as part of The New Dawnings singers. He would travel to churches and prisons, singing and ministering to anyone who would listen. He was known to always have his guitar in his hand either singing hits of the 60s, or singing gospel songs all night long. He played for whoever would listen, including with his daughter, non-stop! Praise and worship would happen any day, any time and would go on for hours. Amazing Grace and I Want to See Jesus we're always critical staples! Even in his final days, he'd lay on the couch strumming the strings and singing even though he couldn't sit, and anyone who knows him, knows that's he's playing that guitar up in heaven.

He always loved spending time with his grandchildren, from telling jokes with his grandson Seth who wants to grow up and be as funny as "Billy Bob" or watching Disney movies with Hannah or riding on the "golf" cart with Hailey. He was the best daddy and pawpaw anyone could ask for. He lived life to the fullest, and captivated all with his presence!

In his final days, his "Cramerton" family reunited with visits often, and he and the entire family felt so loved during this time, with a special thank you to all who visited! In addition to the Cramerton crew, the family would also like to thank all of his precious friends and neighbors who stood by our side during this battle who took a life far too soon. Your kindness, generosity, visits and love that you showed means the world to us and will never be forgotten.

And, while we share tears of sadness, we also know the Lord takes away all the pain and we rejoice, praise and worship in the name of Jesus in knowing we will all meet again, when we ALL get to heaven!

The family would also like to the thank the Healthcare Professionals at High Point Cancer Care Center and Hospice of the Piedmont for your patience and always taking care of our sweet daddy! You are our heroes!

Given the current situation, A Celebration of Life and Homegoing Service will be held at a later date so we can celebrate the special service he planned!

A private graveside service will be held at Gaston Memorial Park with Reverend Keith Phillips officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, North Carolina 27262 or Delta Zeta Foundation, 202 East Church St., Oxford, Ohio 45056.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the Phillips family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Billy Phillips, please visit our flower store.

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