Phillip Andrew Fitzhugh
December 12, 1986 ~ April 22, 2008
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Arden ~ Phillip Andrew Fitzhugh, 21, of Sleepy Gap Road, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in a Motorcycle accident.
He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia and was the son of James and Rebecca Southall Fitzhugh of Arden. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Benjamin Southall and paternal grand-mother Lamenda Fitzhugh. Phillip was a 2005 graduate of T.C. Roberson High School, where he was on the J.V. football and track teams. He currently was a junior at Mars Hill College, majoring in chemistry and worked part time at Advance Auto Parts in Arden. Phillip had a passion for paintball, Green Bay Packers, auto mechanics, his jeep and most importantly life. He will be deeply missed by all.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his little sister, Pamela Fitzhugh of the home; paternal grandfather, Darvell Fitzhugh of Colorado Springs, Co.; maternal grandmother, Rose Southall of Covington, TN; numerous friends and relatives.
A funeral service will be held 3:30 P.M. Sunday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with the Rev. Brenda Newman officiating. Burial will follow in Avery's Creek United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 – 8:30 P.M. at the funeral home.
Following the graveside service the family will gather in the Avery's Creek United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Glen Bridge Road.
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We will greatly miss Phillip. He was a wonderful person and a great friend. We are praying for you and your family at this time.
James & Family –
Please accept our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences during this tragic time in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, may peace be upon you and may Phillip live on forever in your hearts and memories.
I wanted to share my family’s sincere condolences. My 17 year old son Tony, a paintball ref. at Line of Fire was very saddened to hear of the passing of Phillip and asked me to tell you that Phillip touched many lives and was well-liked by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
James and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Phillip. Words of comfort simply cannot meet the magnitude of your loss. All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness. May the memories of Phillip grow within you and bring you strength.
James, Rebecca, and Pamela, we were so sorry to hear about your loss, I’m sure that Phillip was a good young man, because he was raised by James & Rebecca. He’s in heaven waiting for them to join him when their time comes. We will pray for you daily. We have been very close to James and his family for many years…our thoughts are with you during this time of hardship.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. James and Rebecca are very dear friends, their grief is shared by many.
James and Rebecca,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish we could be there for you. I can’t imagine what you are going through right now. May God Bless you and take care of you.
Kathy, Ron, Randy and Patrick
PHILLIP WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. HE SAID I WAS JUST LIKE HIS FATHER WHEN I GAVE HIM ADVICE. I FEEL LIKE I LOST A SON. I LOVE YOU ALL AND YOU WILL BE IN MY FAMILY’S PRAYERS.
James and Rebecca,
I can not put into words the sorrow I feel at this news.This is the second time in as many months that I have signed a guest book for a friend who lost their child.Our prayers and thoughts go out for you.
James,Rebecca, and Pamela,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May you feel God’s comfort each second.
Love in Christ,
Ms. Verna and Bent Creek Preschool
My thoughts & prayers are with you all through this difficult time. Phillip will be greatly missed.
With much love,
Lucretia Butler
Fitzhugh family,
We can’t tell you how sorry we are for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We only knew Phil for a short time, but that was enough to know what a great person he was. He will truly be missed.
Phillip,
You were such a great guy and i only wish that i had been closer with you. Rest in Peace.
I was so shocked to hear of Phillip’s passing. I hadn’t known him recently but remember him fondly from our childhoods. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and especially Pamela. May the Lord be with you.
There Is only a few things I can say and that is, ‘I love you forever and always and I’ll miss you in my home, the field, and my life.’ I wish you were still here.
James and Rebecca,
It’s hard to put into words the sadness I feel for your loss. Fran and I pray for the great love of God to see you through.
All my best wishes,
Jerry McMahan,
your ‘EASI-roll’ buddy
I had only met Phillip on one occasion but he left me with a very positive impression. Warm attitude, Handsome, Polite & Knowledgeable are just a few of his attributes that come to mind. And that not only says a lot for a young man that was taken too soon, but also for the love & care that his family gave to him while he was here. I can not imagine how difficult this is for James, Rebecca & Pamela to deal with. All we can do now is be grateful for the times that we shared with him and feel comforted knowing that he is in the arms of God!!
God Bless the Fitzhugh family!
I graduated the year before Phillip and never got to know him as well as others did but I did get the chance to meet him and all that I rememeber is laughing…ALOT. I am so sorry for your lose and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Sincerley,
Barbara Hall
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, Im so sorry for your loss. Phillip was a good friend of mine and he will always have a special place in my heart.
To Phillip’s Mom and dad, I am AJ Martin’s mom, our boys were at TC together. I had not seen Phillip since High School, but it sounds like he was growing up to be quite a young man.
I really believe there is something special about that class of 05, great kids and true friends. I really can’t imagine your feelings of loss, I will remember Phillip’s big smile and kind nature. My best to you, during this difficult time, Tracy Martin
Words just cannot convey the heartbreak I feel over the sudden loss of Phillip. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Phillip was a student of mine in Drafting at TC Roberson. He was a very good student, willing to help others and always had a smile on his face. He was polite and respectful at all times. His life had a positive outlook and I am sure he will be missed. You have my deepest sympathy and condolences and you will be in my prayers as you go through this tragedy.
There are not many childhood memories that do not include Phillip. I am so sorry for your loss. Phillip was a grat person and a great friend to everybody. He will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and prayers going out to the family.
Gene and K.
You are all in our thoughts and prayer. We love you and we are here for you for whatever you need.
Love the The Ross Girls
PHILLIP WILL BE GREATLLY MISSED!!! IN LOOKING BACK, THE THING THAT STICKS OUT IN MY MIND IS HIS GREAT SMILE AND GREAT LAUGH. HE WILL BE REMEBER AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Phillip was a good friend of my brother, Bryan Davis, and I remember the times they had together growing up. He will be greatly missed.
James and Family
James, it was clear to see just from our conversations how much you and Rebecca loved Phillip and how proud you were of him. Be confident that you were wonderful parents to him and that he knew that he was dearly loved by his family. James, you and Rebecca and your precious Pamela will be in our prayers daily.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God grant you the strength and peace you need to get through these unbearable days.
With Love,
Martin, Carol, Sydney and Ally
Phil was a wonderful guy, you never saw him without a smile on his face. He will be truly missed by everyone.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wendy King, friend and co-worker of Andrea Bridges
James,Rebecca and Pamela,
Know in your heart that Phillip is OK…thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless your family!
I’m am so truly sorry for your loss. Phillip was such a great guy. I knew him in high school. I remember him bringing his guitar and playing in the morning where we sat. He was an incredible person and he really is missed by all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts.
Dear James, Rebecca and Pamela,
Words cannot even begin to express how sad we are about your loss. We know how proud you were of Phillip and how much you loved him. Please know that you are in our every thought and prayer. We care about you and are here for you if you need us for anything.
TG and Ginger
My Brother. My Best Friend. I will miss you and never forget you. Your promise will be kept and i know you will keep your promise and still continue to look over me. I love you.
Fire n Ice
James, Rebecca and Pamela,
Our hearts are broken over the loss of Phillip. I can’t recall ever seeing him without a huge smile on his beautiful face. I know that smile is beaming in heaven. May you be comforted by your memories of him and filled with peace in the days to come. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love to you all.
James, Pamela, and Rebecca
I hope you know how important that your son became in my life. although i didnt get as much time as some other people did. those last few weeks were perfect. He told me the most important things to him was his family, his jeep, his fraternity brothers and sorority his bike, paintball, and working on cars. He told me that his dad was like his best friend cause he had the same passions as him. that his mom was the best cook in the world, and that his sister meant everything to him. I hope i gave your son as much happiness as i could because every time we went out or he would come over i never stopped smiling, or laughing. I was blessed to have him in my life for as long as i did. and his memories will always live on through me. i know exactly where he got his personality from when i met his family. He always told me to be the best person that i could be and when i get into my college and im playing ball that he would come watch me play as long as i would come and watch his paintball tournaments. Im gonna miss him so much and god blessed me when i met your son. thank you for bringing him into this world. because the happiness that i felt with him. I haven’t felt in a long time. I hope if you ever need anything that you want be hesitant to call me.
ill miss you phillip.
& when i see you in heaven.
we’ll make even more memories.
James and Rebecca,
I can not begin to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. May God grant you the strength to get through this difficult time. If there is anything at all I can do, please know that I am here.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Your family is in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Patti Clay
HomeTrust Bank
James and Rebecca,
Sue and I were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Although we will not be able to be with you on Saturday or Sunday please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marty, Sue, Norman & Shawn
Phillip, I miss you and I will never stop thinking about you! You are in my prayers. It seems like yesterday we were hanging out in middle school. I love you
James, Rebecca, and my sweet Pamela–
I am incredibly sad about your untimely loss of Phillip. Although I did not have a lot of interaction with him personally, I know how special he was. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how precious he and Pamela looked when he came to eat lunch with her at school (and he did so frequently). It was just the cutest thing in the world to see that happy, smiling, proud big brother hanging out with his adoring little sister in the cafeteria! I love you all and pray especially hard for you during this time. You are an incredible family and are loved by many. Keep the happy memories alive.
James, Rebecca, and my sweet Pamela–
I am incredibly sad about your untimely loss of Phillip. Although I did not have a lot of interaction with him personally, I know how special he was. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how precious he and Pamela looked when he came to eat lunch with her at school (and he did so frequently). It was just the cutest thing in the world to see that happy, smiling, proud big brother hanging out with his adoring little sister in the cafeteria! I love you all and pray especially hard for you during this time. You are an incredible family and are loved by many. Keep the happy memories alive.
James, Rebecca and Pamela,
I know how much you loved your son. May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead.
God Bless you, and help carry you through this difficult time. My son died last September in a similar accident and I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. No words can express how my heart goes out to you.
James, Rebecca and Pamela Fitzhugh,
never in a million years would i have expected this to happen. i remember the first time i met phill i thought he was most ballin paintball player ever, shooting that pump like he did. i didn’t think he cared much about being my friend but i was wrong, Phillip treated others the way he would want to be treated. i wish he was still around. only god knows why this happened. don’t blame yourself nor others and most important you gotta keep you head up. all three of you please stay strong.
phillip will never be forgotten
My heart goes out to your family, and for all those touched by Phil. There are no possible words to describe how much he will be missed. My prayers will be with you.
I was blessed to have Phillip as a friend and fraternity brother. He was an awesome guy and we had many good times together. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
Dear Fitzhugh Family,
We don’t know what to say to you all except that Phillip brought such joy and happiness to Kristin during the time that they dated. I know that Kristin will forever remember and cherish Phillip. Thank you for bringing up such a fine young man who showed our daughter how men who have character and respect for theirselves treat other people. We will always remember Phillip and your family in our prayers and we know that Kristin will carry him along wherever her journeys take her in life.
James, Rebecca & Pamela ~
I so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. I will remember him being the big brother that showed up to watch Pamela play 6&8U softball. I can only imagine what you all are going thru, Bria and I will keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry for the late condolence but I just found out and put 2 and 2 together. Take care and with deepest sympanthy, Belinda and Bria
We are truly sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time.
Phil was a really sweet guy and he will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I knew Phillip only as an acquaintance but I know that he will be deeply missed. May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Our deepest sympathy to your family in the sudden,terrible loss of Phillip. He was an extraordinary young man, smart,athletic and with personality plus. Nick knew him longer than our son Mat, but they both considered him a friend.He was always upbeat and friendly when we would see him at paintball tournaments and he had such a promising future and positive influence on everybody he came in contact with. Sometimes at Line of Fire or Wolverine, we would ask him to look out for Mat, since he was 5 years older and Nick had gone to NC State.His love of paintball was contagious to younger guys.This weekend at the CFOA tournament, he will be heavy on the minds of everyone that knew him. Parents of paintballers Phillip knew and inspired, have told us it is the first time they had seen their teenagers cry when they heard the news yesterday. It was our pleasure to know Phillip and in your time of grief we hope you will find comfort in what a fine son you had and how much joy he brought to others. We will keep you in our prayers during this time of incredible sorrow for your family. Your neighbors in Avery’s Creek, The Williams Family
James, Rebecca, and Little Pamela,
I just want you to know how much your son meant to me. I had just told him on Saturday how much I loved and cared about him. There was never a day that went by that he didn’t call just to say good morning. He always kept me sane down here in Gaffney. My family also sends there love and prayers, they loved that boy. Just as much as me, I want to say that I have been thinking of you all often and I just wish i was up there with you all at this time. I just miss his beautiful smile, we had almost been together for a whole year, And in that year he had brought me so much happiness and love. My heart is breaking with the loss of such a great guy. I want you all to stay as strong as you can. I know i didn’t get to spend very much time with you guys, but i felt like you were a second family to me. I love all three of you very much.
James, Rebecca and Pamela,
Although to most we appear to be good friends, Phillip will always be family to us. Your family has and will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Even today when we all grieve for your families loss, the thoughts of Phillip living life, driving his ‘superman’ Jeep or playing paint ball the way he lived life to its fullest under the support and guidance of his wonderful family still brings a smile to our faces. And as your family moves forward through this tough time, just remember one thing, “he made it†‒ he made it heaven on earth to know him as a boy and then see him grow into a man and now “he really has made it†to heaven.. Phillip’s personality is such a positive influence and sincerely contagious to all that new him. He may not be with us in body but I can promise you he will always be with us in spirit. His memories will live in our hearts and minds until one day we meat up in heaven. James, Rebecca and Pamela we love you guys and we are always here for your family….
Rebecca, James, and Pamela,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Through you and through Pamela we know what a great son and brother Phillip was and we know that he will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rob, Kelly, Tyler and Sydne Tison
Dear James and Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
James, Rebecca and Pamela,
It saddens us all for such a tragic lost to your family. Memories and love will help you ,your family and friends get through this time.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of Phillip. He was a great friend and Big brother. His smile could light up a room. I am blessed to have had the chance to have him in my life. Mars Hill will never be the same.
James and Rebecca,
We are so sorry for your loss. We just found out today. Words cannot express how sorry we are. Phillip seems like an amazing person. I know you are proud of him. May God Bless all of you and continue to carry you.
Dear Fitzhughs,
Phil was a great paintball player and a great guy, he will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched, I remember playing paintball with Phil numerous times he always was fun to play with and was a cool guy to talk to off the field. Every time i step on to a paintball field i will think of Phil.
Dear James, Rebecca and Pamela,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of Phillip. I will always remember those great childhood memories of me and Phillip. Phillip was an amazing person and an awesome friend. I will always remember the funny things he did and the amazing personality that he had. My prayers are with you guys as you go through this hard time. May God Bless Your Family.
I was so sorry to hear of your lost, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and my prayer is that you will feel God’s love and strength during this difficult time.
Phillip was a great friend to me. I’ll never forget jamming, magic, and football with Phillip. He was a great guy and he’ll always be missed.
James, Rebecca and Pamela,
Nothing I can say will take the extreme sorrow from your hearts this day. Know deep down to the soul that you were the BEST parents and lil’ sister you could be. The glow in your eyes when you spoke of Phillip will never fade. Keep him in your spirits and memories as we will. The trips he made to Pamela’s school to eat lunch and watch her programs should always remain with her. GOD has a plan James, you and I have spoke of it many times and we don’t understand it now but we can only be assured that someday we all will understand. You have become such great friends to me and my family and we will always be here for you. Love you like a brother, see you soon.
I was told of Phillip’s death by a mutual friend, Mr. Jerome May, a professor at Mars Hill. In reading about your son here, I realized he also was a part of *my* life, he helped me countless times at the parts store. I remember his truck, I always noticed it when it was parked there. Who could miss it! I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. From Jerome’s stories and his friends’ comments here, Phillip was obviously a wonderful young man, and a treasured son.
Phillip Andrew Fitzhugh was the rock that held a lot of us together. He touched the heart of so many people. He and I used to always say that he was my big brother, even though he was the younger of the two. He was always there for anyone who needed him…. no matter what. He will forever be always loved and missed. I remember the times at work, at fraternity functions, and the times that just the two of us shared. Paintball, Metallica, guitar hero, and the Green Bay Packers were some of the things that he loved the most. Amognst the things that he loved the most were the people that he met. Never have I met anyone who hasn’t loved Phillip. A life with Phillip is something anyone should be ‘proud of. I love you Phillip. The legacy of Phillip Fitzhugh will live on in the family and friends that he left behind. He will be truly missed by all. ‘Be real son…. Be real.’
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. I got the opportunity to meet Phil while he lived with my son Jordan and they were housemates. He had also come to my home for Tuesday night family dinners a couple of times with Jordan. He was a very polite, respectful young man. Mostly, I remember him smiling and laughing. I know that my sons, Jordan and Jonathan, have been deeply affected by his life and his death. May God grant you some measure of consolation.
i knew phillip for a little while when he worked at walmart with me he was a good person to help out with people there and he will be missed in all ways but he is in a better and safer place now god will take care of him and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this times
Phillip and I had a blast playing music in front of the entire school, and that’s a memory that I will never forget, and as such I will never forget him. He was one of the first friends I met when I switched into this school district, and I am glad that he touched so many of our lives.
James, Just wanted to drop a note and let you know that your friends here at Milkco are thinking of you. Doesnt seem that long ago we sat and talked about these kids in school.
Phillip and I played football together in high school and kept in touch over the last few years. His passion for his family and friends was an inspiration to me. He was a great guy and he’ll be deeply missed, however, he will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences.
I met phillip only a couple of times through my son Thomas Sweezy. Phillip was such a polite young man! I am so sorry for the lose of such a wonderful person! We are praying that you will somehow make it through this. God bless
Dear Pamela, Rebecca and James,
We are so sorry to hear of Phillip’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ian Wasserman and Family
Dear Fitzhugh Family,
My prayers are with you all.I knew a precious little boy in my kindergarten class,with a smile that would light up the room. You are a very special family. My heart is with you.
James and Rebecca,
It has been many years since we have spoken but mutual friends informed me of the loss of your dear son Phillip. Please accept my condolences during this time of loss. I know the grief you feel must be overwhelming at this time, but you will soon feel the comfort of God’s hand as you realize that your darling son is back in his care.
Dear James and family: Our thoughts are with you in this time of your loss. Our prayers are for your comfort in this time of grief and need. Rest eternal grant to the faithful departed, O Lord, and let Light Perpetual shine upon them.
JAMES,REBECCA,AND PAMELA, WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW WE FEEL ABOUT THE LOSS OF PHILLIP. WE REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES THE BOYS HAD IN SCOUTS AND GROWING UP. WHAT A WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN HE BECAME. OUR HEARTS ACHE FOR YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU.WE LOVE YOU. LOVE KENNY, VICKIE,BRYAN AND BRANDON DEITZ
Dear Family,
Phillip was a great man, one of the best any person could ever wish to know. He was full of love, kindness, and life. I shared four good years with him in highschool and kept in touch when he left for a new chapter in life. I only wish I could say I spent more time with him but I was truely blessed to call him a friend. God bless and know he his in a better place looking down on you! Love
Alesha
Dear Fitzhugh Family:
I just wanted to let you know that Philip was just a genuinely nice guy and always a pleasure to be around. You raised an amazing son and I just want you to know that he touched my life in a positive way. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. You should be getting a card with my information by Monday. My prayers and love are with you and your family.
I miss you Phillip. My prayers are going out to everyone you have touched, that they may hold your memory and release their pain.
To Phillip’s Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Phillip’s passing. It is always a tragedy when such a young life is lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Phillip was a wonderful person.
May God Bless you,
Lisa and Gene McCurry
Dear Fitzhugh Family,
I only learned recently of Phillip’s passing. He was a fine young boy in first grade, who grew up to become a exceptional young man. I will miss his visits to the Library, our condolences to your family at this time.
Donna Hawthorn
South Buncombe Library
James and Family,
I am so sorry for our loss he was a wonderful person with a great soul and spirit. I loved him dearly I just found out today I will miss him everyday. My prayers will be with you guys in this heartbreaking time. I love you guys dearly and if you need anything please call me. i have lost my soulmate in life our paintball was our bond but oiur spirit will forever be togather. I love you phillip and I will see you again.
Dear Fitzhugh Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.I had the pleasure of meeting Phillip through Sheena Camp,and he was such a wonderful and caring man.In the short time that I knew him I am glad to be able to think as him as a friend. I am so sorry for your loss and he will be greatly missed. GOD Bless you all.
Wendy,Duane,Kayla,Austin and Bradley Parker
Rebecca,
My heart aches for you at this very moment. I have no words to ease your pain at this time but I know the One who does. God cares for you deeply and wants to soothe your broken heart. My prayer for you, James and Pamela is that He will wrap you in His arms and you will feel the love and comfort only He can provide. My thoughts and prayers are with you,
James and Rebecca,
Wish there was some way to help you ease your pain, there are no words for your loss. But after being there and seeing the outpouring of love from family/friends/neighbors/co-workers helps me through knowing Phillip was greatly loved and admired and a great friend to all. I know he was the best son and big brother to Pamela but the whole rest of the world saw how wonderful he was too! Be proud of how you raised him, the man he became and know he was loved by all who knew him and will never be forgotten. I love him and will always. Knowing I will see him again also helps, he is still with us in our hearts. My wonderful memories of him will keep him alive forever… thought I had all the time in the world to make more with him. Each day you drive by him tell him I love and miss him. Love yall! Aunt Andrea
I did not believe it even when I read it. There are no words that can comfort you at a time like this.All we can say is we will keep you in our prayers and we love you all dearly and will miss the playful boy who had grown up to be a man. We will keep you in our prayers and know if you need ANYTHING please let us know.
James, Rebecca & Pamela
Our family sends our deepest sorrows to you in this tragic time.You are in our thoughts and our prayers. I know that nothing we can say to you will take away this horrible pain in your hearts, but if there is anything we can do please call us. You are great people with a wonderful family. We love you all.
Phil, you will be greatly missed. I always looked forward to meeting up with you at Line-of-Fire. You brought a love of the game and a passion for life that few people can claim.
Dear Fitzhugh Family,
I dont know if you remember me, but I used to work at Sagebrush in Arden, and Phillip and your family used to come in and eat and I was the hostess that knew Phillip. I am now married and living in El Paso Texas, that is why I am just now hearing about this sad news. I knew Phillip since he was a freshman in high school. I remember when I asked him to go to prom with me his sophmore year. He will be truely missed. Im sorry I was not in town to make it to the funeral service. Please know that I would have loved to have been there to show my respects to a great friend. I know Phillip is in a better place now, and I know that he will be watching over us all. I wish you and your family God’s peace.
James, Rebecca, and Pamela,
We haven’t spoke in quite a while, but I just heard through a mutual friend about the loss of your son, my heart breaks for you. God sent him to you but for a little while, I pray for God’s comfort and peace for you all.
The resonance between your beliefs and your actions are still (not ‘were’) inspirations to us. Thanks for the example you lived.
Phillip for many years was like a member of our family. He loved Chelsey and she loved him. They had a great life at Mars Hill College together.
I probably am the one that bought the hat that he has on. Because at Christmas one year – I needed to get him something — and Chelsey said go to LIDS – he loves the Green Bay Packers.
I called her from the store and said – it is ‘frayed’ – and bent –
and Chelsey said – that is how they wear them mom ! !
Phillip was a jewell, why ? Because he was all boy – but he was a man in my eyes because he was good to my sick daddy – my daddy thought he was cool — and he was attentative to Chelsey when she was in performance at OWEN THEATRE – attending her performances — and making trips to Dollywood to see her for that whole summer. He came into Chelsey’s life on the 22nd and he left us on the 22nd.
I have tremendous pictures of him – that our photographer took at Chelsey’s graduation — those pictures are pricelss — 7 or 8 of them.
He was a great friend to James Scot Gaddy – and we are all just so, so sad ! !
Since I ‘lost’ two brothers – one from a car accident and one from an illiness — I know the hurt that the family feels.
Phillip was bright and sweet and mannerly and my friend. I loved his laugh – and the memories of holidays and late nites that he spent at my house w/ my girl. Phillip is there w/ my dad and one day we all will see him again – that is a promise.
Chelsey’s mom:
Vickie Jones Gaddy
Chelsey’s grandma: Nora Lee Jones
If the paths had not been such that Chelsey was to do grad school – I know that Phillip would have stayed in our lives and been in our family ! !
I heard this today through an another Avery’s Creek mom. I just cannot believe it. Philip was the sweetest big brother. I met him when he would come to see Pamela at school. I did not know him that well, but I spent a lot of time with Rebecca talking about him growing up, all the challenges of transitioning to adulthood, and a lot of Christmas memories. There is a lot of love in his family. He was a loving son and brother and was so well loved. His family was a generous and loving blessing to me and my daughter while we lived in that area. I don’t even know what to pray or what to say. Except that Rebecca and her household, and Philip in heaven, will be in my prayers and thoughts. I called my mom and told her I loved her. and I’m going to go tuck in my daughter and tell her I love her too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Every day I think about you and wanted to say that we love you so much and miss you. This time of the year is hard for us all.
Dad