Ernie Phillips

Asheville - Ernie Phillips, 68, went to be with his Lord on November 29th, 2018 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Ernie was the son of the late Vernon and Pauline Phillips of Cool Ridge, West Virginia. Ernie loved the Lord, his family, his church, his southern gospel music ministry, and his country. Ernie served his country for three years (1970-1973) in the United States Army, stationed in Baumholden, Germany. While in Germany, Ernie worked as a missile repair parts specialist and radio relay technician, resulting in an Army Commendation Medal for working two jobs at the same time.

Ernie was a member of the Kingsmen Quartet from 1977-1983 during which time he was affectionately dubbed "The Little Giant". Ernie was nominated as Favorite First Tenor by the Singing News Fan Awards for 6 years. He won the tenor award in 1980 and 1981.

Ernie was also a part of Squire Parsons Ministries for several years. Ernie then had a solo ministry before becoming a member of the Land of the Sky Boys Quartet from February 2000-October 2018. Ernie also sang with the Landmarks Quartet from Erwin Tennessee from 2006-September 2018.

Ernie retired in 2010 from the VA Medical Center in Asheville with 30 years of service.

Ernie was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville.

Ernie was preceded in death by a son, Chad Aaron and a sister, Lois Linkous.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Bonnie, son Eric (Lauren) of Gadsden Alabama, 2 daughters, April and Stacey (Brooks) of Asheville North Carolina, grandchildren, Carli and Blake, sisters Lana Bell (Larry) and Lorraine Hart (Sam) and nieces and nephews.

A homegoing celebration will be held 2 PM Monday, December 3, 2018 at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Ralph Sexton, Jr., Pastor Donnie Walker and Pastor Allen Rash officiating. Family will receive friends from 12 to 2 PM Monday prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Keith Cable, Larry Spears, Gary Surrett, Ford McCurry, Brian Redfield, and Harold Whitted.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Land of the Sky Boys Quartet and the Landmarks Quartet.

The family would like to thank members of CarePartners Hospice for their care and kindness to Ernie, especially his nurse Aaron and sweet CNA Morgan. The family is being assisted by Anders-Rice Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Building Fund, 216 Shelburne Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28806.

To sign Ernie's guestbook online, please go to "Memorials" at www.andersrice.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Dec. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernie Phillips

Sponsored by Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Asheville.

13 Entries

Bill Chasteen

January 26, 2024

I just found out about Ernie's passing. I attended Kingsmen and King's Gold concerts in the late 80's and early 90's. I was a huge fan of the Kingsmen and followed them for many years. Live in Chattanooga wss one of my favorite albums because of Ernie. I loved hearing his high Tenor voice. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

Anjolee (Hamby) Eickhoff

February 26, 2022

Our condolences on your temporary separation from Ernie. His music ministry through the years was wonderful and a testimony to his faith. I have no doubt that he reached many people for the Lord. What a joyful reunion still to come.

Carl George

January 17, 2021

Singing with the Angels!

December 6, 2018

Ernie was a good friend to Me! One night in Dayton,Ohio I was 10 years old Jim pulled me out on stage & had me bump Anthony off and play We do Not Die while Ernie sang. They were all good friends to Me!

Brant Hart

December 4, 2018

I met Ernie when the Kingsmen used to sing in Charlotte at Bill Hefner's All Night Singings. So sorry to hear about his death. Brant Hart
WHVN Radio
Charlotte, NC

Sue and Gary Gaither

December 1, 2018

What a blessing Ernie has been while on earth to so many including us. We will miss him yet are so grateful we will all be together in glory because of Jesus. Praying for you Bonnie, Eric, April and Stacey.

November 30, 2018

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Gary Williams

November 30, 2018

I had the pleasure of spending time with Ernie in his home just a few months ago. His spirits were high and he was as kind as ever. He gave me an album he recorded with the Kingsmen many years ago and the album is one of a kind because it was rushed to the public so quickly that the cover is completely blank and it has a plain white cover. I had him to autograph it and I took a picture of him signing it. I will miss him dearly.

Jeff Norris

November 30, 2018

Ernie was a friend! I met him about 8 years ago in Unicoi, TN with the Landmarks Quartet. I got to spend time with him that day and he made me and my family feel great being with him. After all, I was in awe of the "Little Giant"! I have all the live recordings he was on with The Kingsmen and now I actually got to meet him in person! He evn did his signature "Why he didn't even shake my hand!" for my kids. I emailed Ernie every so often and he was always quick to answer! I will miss him but glad that it came "Crossing Time" and he was ready to go!

Bill Payne

November 30, 2018

Great Singer, Seen him live At Chandler Mt. Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church, Families prayers are with the whole family, singing groups, Kingsmen, Heaven gained a beautiful , soul!

Eric Flowers

November 29, 2018

I remember the first time I heard Shake Hands With A Poor Boy. I was probably about 10 years old and sang tenor in my first group. I remember listening to Ernie hit those high notes with ease and just being in awe! Heaven just added the greatest tenor of all time to their choir.

November 29, 2018

Ernie was a very talented person. We used to watch him when he was singing with the Kingsman. He was the best tennor singer ever..... Joan Might in Flint Michigan

Terry Thompson

November 29, 2018

What a beautiful person. I worked with Ernie at the VA. After knowing him there I became a Little Giant singing fan. He was always pleasant and fun to be around. Ive been thinking of him much the last 3 weeks and watching videos on YouTube having not seen him since leaving the VA. Heaven gained an angel.

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