Philip J. Celestin

Philip J. Celestin, 83, of 9-A Heather Way, Candler, died Thursday, February 28, 2008. Mr. Celestin was born in New Orleans, LA, and was a son of the late Felix Charles and Inez Guerin Celestin. He was married to Catherine N. Celestin, who died in 1994. Mr. Celestin was a military veteran and was a former resident of High Vista Estates. He had attended St. Barnabas and St. Joan of Arc Catholic churches. In 1963, he co-founded Skyland Distributing Company, a local beverage distribution company. He was an early member of the High Vista Country Club. He was active with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and served on state associations affiliated with the beverage distribution industry. He served as president of the NC Beer and Wine Wholesaler's Association from 1983-1985, and continued to be active with the group until his retirement. He is survived by his loving and loyal companion, Marion "Mimi" Brown; three daughters, Gayle C. Celestin, Jane C. Oswell, and Colleen C. Bradley; three grandchildren, Rachel Oswell, Hayden Bradley and Mallory Bradley, and a nephew, Gary Descha. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Fr. C. Morris Boyd officiating. Interment by the family will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. His family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25388, Asheville, NC 28813.