Thurman Darrell Phillips

LAURINBURG — Mr. Thurman Darrell Phillips passed away on Nov. 10, 2015 at the age of 85.

The family will receive guests at Stewartsville Baptist Church on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Stewartsville Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday with burial service following at Hillside Memorial Park.

Darrell was born on Jan. 31, 1930 in Wilson County, a son of the late James Thurman Phillips and Lossie Virginia Price Phillips. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving as a staff sergeant for four years during the Korean War.

After his military service, Darrell worked in state and local government agencies, with the N.C. Department of Revenue, Scotland County magistrate's office, Town of Pembroke, and City of Laurinburg until retirement. Darrell was a man of faith and a member of Stewartsville Baptist Church, where throughout the years he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Darrell was an avid sportsman. He coached and played for the church softball team for over thirty years. He loved the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and also loved going fishing. One of his greatest joys was serving as a "Santa's Helper" during the holidays. He was known by all for his generosity and caring. He had the gift of putting anyone at ease with his outgoing personality within minutes of meeting them. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his brothers John Thomas Phillips, Luther Phillips, and Alvin Ray Phillips and his sisters Louise Phillips McKeel and Nancy Phillips Wiggins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Glenda Player Phillips and by his three daughters: Cathy Phillips Kelly of Laurel Hill, Dr. Melissa Phillips Nethery of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Valerie Phillips Gover of Laurinburg, by his seven grandchildren: Ginny Nethery Smith, Drew Nethery, Will Gover, Meghan Kelly, Caitlin Kelly, Natalie Gover, Addison Loux, and by five great-grandchildren: Carmen Kelly-Diggs, Sammie Smith, Joel Nethery, Alanna Kelly-Diggs, and Brystol Kelly-Diggs. He is also survived by his two brothers: R.P. Phillips and Edgar Phillips and by his two sisters: Eula Mae Phillips Corbett and Mary Alice Phillips Wells.

McDougald Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family. Donations may be made to Stewartsville Baptist Church in his honor.