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Nicholas Alexander Phillips
2001 - 2012
Nicholas Alexander Phillips
2001 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
Nicholas Phillips Obituary
Nick's buoyant attitude and gentle tenacity taught his family and friends how to love selflessly and carry on through hardships. His example will be a guide and comfort to those grieving his loss. He was a devoted aquarium enthusiast and played baseball with the Rivermont Dream League. He loved the River Park, his collection of movies and books (especially Cars), horses, and his dog Buster. He was born July 24, 2001 in Chattanooga and is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Sonia Phillips, of Hixson; grandparents, Robert and Jean Phillips, of Hixson; grandmother, May Ruth Hartman, of Red Bank; sister, Emilia Phillips, and her husband, Jeremy Hakes, of Richmond, Va.; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank all of Nicholas's friends at Rivermont Dream League, Chattanooga Zoo, and Northgate Mall; his special friend Olivia Micka; Dr. Thomas Farmer of Rivermont Presbyterian; Abbie Agnew at Make-a-Wish; the staff at ContinuCare Health Services; the wonderful doctors and nurses at T.C. Thompson's, particularly the PICU unit, who have taken care of Nicholas for ten years; the doctors at Highland Pediatric; Dr. Rizwan Hamid of Vanderbilt University; Southeastern Orthotics; all of the therapists and teachers who have worked with Nicholas at home, including Debbie Hightower, Janice Jones, Kasha Griffith, Natasha Twiggs, Linda Corder, Donna Hicks; and especially his loving and devoted nurses Misty Fergason and Joed Hutsell.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday at the North Chapel.
A service for Nick will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday at the North Chapel. Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers or food, the family requests donations be made to the Propionic Acidemia Foundation, 1963 McCraren Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, and T.C. Thompson's Children's Hospital Foundation, 910 Blackford Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Anonymous
March 15, 2017
We never stop thinking about you. We miss you but will be with you again one day.
anonymous
February 1, 2016
We'll see you soon my little buddy.
Mom and Dad
April 23, 2015
On the third year anniversary of Nick's "graduation" from this life to a better life, it seemed appropriate to share a portion of a May 14th, 2012 letter from Linda Corder, Nick's Teacher:
"Nick was one of the most awesome disciples God brought into this world. As many will assert, "He taught each individual who was lucky enough to be in his presence about love, joy, patience, kindness, and goodness. There was never an evil action displayed in that wonderful little boy."
Thank you Linda for your kind words. You were a wonderful teacher to our precious son.
Ken and Sonia
Sonia Phillips
March 25, 2015
I miss you every day, my beautiful, precious boy!
I love you,
Mommy
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sam reeves
July 28, 2012
hey my buddy nicholas you are greatly missed by the dream team all the dream team loves you nicholas
Karen Polcen
June 12, 2012
I think of Nicholas, too, and it is very often. I can't believe he is not on this earth. My sympathies go out to his family. I miss working at the mall, but I think of him often.
Pop Pop and Memaw Phillips
June 11, 2012
Our dearest Nicholas, there is never a day goes by that we don't think of the many happy memories of the life you shared with us. How precious these memories are. Some bring smiles and some bring tears, but always we thank God for every precious moment of your life. Our deepest love, Pop Pop and Memaw
Lamar Davis
June 1, 2012
Truly a precious angel Sonia! Love all the wonderful pictures of Nicholas and you all. Each breath we take is a blessing. I can tell that his presence in your life has been sacred and holy. Each time you think of him I know you will think of the love of God and the peace that that love brings. Its an honor to know you as we do, and we will be remembering you all in your grief. Our prayers are with you, and we pray Ken a safe journey to Afghanistan and back. Bless you, Kenneth, Robert, Jean, and all your extended family always. With Love, Lamar, Lynn, Dillon, and Claire Davis
Ken and Sonia Phillips
May 20, 2012
Thank you all who posted messages and who stood in the long line at the funeral home. Your support and expressions of sympathy have sustained us through this most difficult time. We loved, and still love, Nicholas more than words can describe and his loss in this life will leave a hole in our hearts until we see him in the next. We are comforted by the words Christ spoke when he said of innocent children:
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mark 10:14).
Thank you all again for your caring and support,
Stan Ross
May 15, 2012
Nick got so much love from Sonia, family and friends and he appreciated every single bit of it and he shined with a heart full of love. Everyone who knew him was blessed to be a part of his life.
Debbie & Jerry Hightower
May 6, 2012
Sonia, Ken, Jean, Bob, and May Ruth,
You guys did everything right with Nick! Thanks to you, he had a wonderful, happy life! Jerry and I want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of his life. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Nick for so many years. He had my heart from the very beginning. I am really going to miss my time with Nick, but I am looking forward to seeing him again and hearing his sweet voice. I will forever cherish all of the wonderful memories that I have of Nick. He will always have a piece of my heart.
We Love You All,
Debbie & Jerry
May 3, 2012
So sorry for the loss of Nicholas. Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
-The Long Family.
Priscilla Geuss
April 29, 2012
Words can't take away pain. Hugs can help. But The faith you have in a loving God. can bring comfort durring the hardest of times. Hold on to friends, family and the love you know God has for you.
Kristine Albers
April 28, 2012
Ken, so sorry about the loss of your son. I am sure you and your family gave him a wonderful life. Your Afghanistan/Bagram family is thinking of you and sending you strength and support!
Shon and Breon Blair
April 27, 2012
KP and Sonia - you are in our prayers and we have added your family to our prayer chain at church. We didn't get to meet Nicholas, but if he was anything like you, we're sure he was a joy to be around. Remember all the good times you had with him and cherish them always. We know he is sitting with God now and is no longer sick. We love you "Uncle Ken"! Bless you both for being awesome parents.
Sandra Richardson
April 27, 2012
Dear Ken,
true and heartfelt sympathies for your loss..you and your family are in my prayers.
Brandy Jo
April 27, 2012
KP-We are so sorry to hear about your loss. All our hearts broke when we received the news. We are thinking of you and sending much love from BAF.
Robert and Tracy Payne
April 27, 2012
Ken, Sonia, and family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss...our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our warmest condolences,
April 26, 2012
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Stagni
Organic Acidemia Association
Chelsea Bush
April 26, 2012
KP,
Knowing you and how much you have blessed my life ... I can only image how much your son has blessed others. My heart reaches out to you and those who are mourning the loss of this beautiful child. May God hear my prayers especially for you and your family so that you may find comfort during this sad time. Just know that tears are falling here in WV. You're always going to be a part of our family. As my momma always says... "From my heart to yours..."
Jim & Lumi Smith
April 26, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are there for you and your family.
Connie Ramsey
April 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God's love will surround you and guide you through your grief.
April 26, 2012
The Phillips Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May our Great Comforter wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace.
With Sympathy,
Bobby and Denita McCulley - TVA Family
Pam and Michael McCamy
April 26, 2012
Sonia, Ken, and family, You all are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.Nicholas' shining smile and bright eyes lit up the room and warmed the hearts of everyone he met. His incredible courage inspired us and all those around him. Little Nicholas will never be forgotten and his presence will continue to encourage others who must face such great odds.Special prayers for your mommy, Nicholas, who I know you loved so much, and with whom you share such a special bond. God bless and keep you, little angel, and comfort all those who love you so very much.Praise and thanks be to God that we, His children, have the hope of heaven and will see you once again.
David Mallen
April 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Chris Gentry
April 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord give you the strength to carry on. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
David D'Andria
April 25, 2012
Ken,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to ask.
David D'Andria and family
Karen Polcen
April 25, 2012
So sorry for the familys loss. I used to work at Chick Fil A at Northgate and had the pleasure of knowing this precious child. I was thinking of him the other day. Now I know why.
Sabrina Cassidy
April 25, 2012
To Nicholas's Mum & Dad & all his family,
My sincere sympathies to you on the loss of your beautiful son. I can see by your wonderful pictures what a full and loved live he lived. My daughter Blu (17 PA) passed five months ago and my heart goes out to you at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christie Oswald
April 25, 2012
Dear Sonia, Ken and family,
The angels are dancing with Nicholas while we here on earth are grieving. He brought so much joy to those who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With love and hugs, Christie, Tim, Jack, Maddie and Luci
Jeromy Stroud
April 25, 2012
Sonia, I am very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
Jeromy Stroud
HDS VANS AND MOBILITY
Gaynelle Albrecht
April 25, 2012
What a joy to know Nicholas is walking and running with Jesus! He was such a trickster when trying to get him to work! And oh did he let me know when he did not like a book I was reading. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sonia and Ken. I was blessed by the time I spent with him.
Eric McAdams
April 25, 2012
I am so very sorry for the loss of Nicholas. My son also has propionic acidemia and so my heart breaks for you and the rest of his family and friends. From the pictures it seems that he impacted everyone who came across his path. You will be in our prayers as you grieve his death. I am so sorry that you are going through this.
Stellar Therapy Services
April 25, 2012
We at Stellar Therapy Services are saddened to hear of the loss of your sweat baby boy. Stellar Therapy Services along with Natasha Twiggs has made a donation to the Propionic Acidemia Foundation in Nicholas's name. It as been a blessing to be able to work with Nicholas, and our prayers are with your family.
Barry Tharp
April 25, 2012
So very sorry for your loss. I am praying for you. May God's peace touch you in this terrible time.
Samuel Joyner
April 25, 2012
Ken, I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Kimberly Sparks
April 25, 2012
"My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My prayers are with you all, may you have strength and comfort in your time of grievence.."
Carolyn & Don Beadle
April 25, 2012
Nicholas opened many eyes as to who we are as human beings. Our FATHER used him to express GOD'S LOVE to every person he came in contact with. Nicholas has been and stil is an ANGELof GOD. May the HOLY SPIRIT of the living GOD bless and strengthen the Phillips family.
Justina Ogden
April 25, 2012
I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a child. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Chere Reynolds
April 25, 2012
Ken,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chere S. Reynolds
Jimmy's Dad
April 25, 2012
Proud to have you as a Dreamer, Nicholas. We'll miss our clean up batter!!!
Bartlee Norton
April 25, 2012
Nicholas had the heart of a hero!
Phyllis Mastrogiuseppe
April 25, 2012
Ken, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you take comfort knowing that family and friends are with you at this difficult time.
Beth Martin Johnson
April 25, 2012
Nicholas was a beautiful, sweet boy.
Gailynn Robinson
April 25, 2012
I will always remember his smiles in the wee hours of the morning when he was supposed to be asleep! My prayers are with his entire family during this difficult transition.
Jill and Steve Franks
April 25, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Nicholas. Ken and Sonia, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dana Sober
April 25, 2012
After looking at the photo album of Nicholas and seeing that big smile on his face, it's very obvious y'all helped him live his life to the fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tough time.
"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God."- Eileen Elias Freeman
Susan Fox
April 25, 2012
Ken and family:
I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of such a sweet and wonderful little boy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Denise Woody
April 25, 2012
I could not believe when I got the call that my Nicholas had gone to heaven. He has touched my heart so deeply. I want you to know if you need anything I am here. He will be truly missed. My prayers to you to help you through this impossibly difficult time.
Scott Goodman
April 24, 2012
God Bless Nic. God Bless you and Sonia, Ken. I will always keep you in my prayers.
Jessica Fosbinder, RN
April 24, 2012
Sonia & Ken,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of sweet Nicholas. He was always a special patient. I pray that God will begin to heal your broken hearts. You are wonderful parents and cared for him so well.
Tina Smith
April 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during the loss of Nicholas. I have never met him, but I feel that I have cause we both have special boys with the same interests baseball and going to the mall. He probably is still smiling and playing ball from up above.
Justin & Allison Miller
April 24, 2012
Ken & Sonia,
There is little we can say that will ease your pain. Just know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Brenda Hammonds
April 24, 2012
Sonia, Jean, and Family,
I was deeply saddended to hear about your precious little Nicholas this morning. Although I only had the privilege of working with Nick for a short while, I'm thankful that our paths crossed. It is somewhat rare to meet a family like yours. The dedication, the passion, the support, and the love you have given Nicholas is priceless. The thought that crosses my mind the most now...Nicholas talking a mile a minute, up in heaven, sharing stories of his family that loves him dearly.
I was blest to work with you all. May the Lord give you strength and comfort as the days follow.
Please do not hesitate if there is anything I can do.
God Bless You
Devin Gobble
April 24, 2012
Thinking of your family during this time. Nicholas was such a sweet and beautiful boy. It was an honor to care for him and your family. -Nurse Devin
Brenda Hammonds
April 24, 2012
Sonia, Jean, and Family,
I was deeply saddended to hear about your precious little Nicholas this morning. Although I only had the privilege of working with Nick for a short while, I'm thankful that our paths crossed. It is somewhat rare to meet a family like yours. The dedication, the passion, the support, and the love you have given Nicholas is priceless. The thought that crosses my mind the most now...Nicholas talking a mile a minute, up in heaven, sharing stories of his family that loves him dearly.
I was blest to work with you all. May the Lord give you strength and comfort as the days follow.
Please do not hesitate if there is anything I can do.
God Bless You
April 24, 2012
"Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared ." - Exodus 23:20
Ken, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that had the privilege to know Nicholas. Know that God is there with you and your wife and that He has little Nicholas in His loving arms.
Tim and Bonnie Kesterson (Strawberry Plains, TN)
April 24, 2012
Our paths have never crossed, but when I saw the precious picture of Nicolas, I just had to read about him.
He was an absolute angel with a smile that was filled with love.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Prayers to your family,
A mom
John and Jenni Cecil
April 24, 2012
Ken,
We are so sorry to learn of Nicholas' passing. May God's love help ease the pain of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe and Debra W Sherrill
April 24, 2012
May we convey our deepest sadness and offer our prayers for Ken and Sonia. I wish we could be there for you. May God bless your hearts and bring you comfort.
Vicky Blair
April 24, 2012
KP and Sonia ~ Our prayers are with you both during this time. We know how much you loved that amazing young man and are here for you if you need anything.
April 24, 2012
Sonia and Ken-
Our prayers are with you and family.
Ken and Jeanne Stevenson (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Kathy, Rc and Tyler Leamon
April 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. The times we had with Nic will never be forgotten. His smile lightened up the room and he will never be forgotten. Tyler says his buddy is looking down on us all and smiling, cause he is no longer wheelchair bound and is eating anything and everything he wants (-: Love you guys and we will never quit looking up , for Heaven is brighter now with your son's presence .
Donna Hicks
April 24, 2012
Sonia,Ken, Jean, and Pop,Pop- our love, thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so privileged to know Nicholas and be touched by him. His angelic smile lit up his face and his sparkling eyes. We loved him so and he will be greatly missed. Donna & Amanda
Jonathan & Lindsay McAvoy
April 24, 2012
Ken, you and your family will be in our thoughts during the days to come. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Frost
April 24, 2012
My prayers are with you all. I met Nicholas years ago at Northgate Mall. My daughter Sarah is in a wheelchair and she always enjoyed seeing Nicholas, as we all did! He will be missed and never forgotten.
Austin Hamm
April 24, 2012
It was such a privilege to have been a part of Nicholas's life and to witness the devotion of his wonderful family. Caring for Nick affected my life, and my heart goes out to you. Jennifer and I will keep you in our prayers.
John Finn
April 24, 2012
Ken, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Erin Reade
April 24, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips,
We are so sorry for the loss of Nicholas. He was one of the first chronic patients I met when I started at the children's hospital almost 3 years ago. He certainly taught me and our residents a lot about his disease. More importantly, he taught how such conditions affect the whole family and community surrounding the child. Your devotion to him has really touched my heart. He was a blessing to us all and a reminder that the little things matter most of all in this unpredictable life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Martha Gregory
April 24, 2012
I love you Sonia, you are in my heart. If you need anything, please, let me know!
Peace and love, Martha
Bobby Lahiere
April 24, 2012
I am sorry for your loss...what a wonderful, beautiful boy!
Jerry & Lora Sims
April 24, 2012
Words can not express how truly sorry we were to have heard of Nicholas's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Emilia Phillips
April 24, 2012
"Meet the Northgate Mall Mascot," a segment on Nicholas at http://www.wrcbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=11571115
Ken Vance
April 24, 2012
I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Nicholas. Please accept mymost heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Richard Reed
April 24, 2012
Ken, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although we are miles apart, know we are standing by your side.
Steven Johnson
April 24, 2012
Ken and the rest of the Phillips family:
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at your loss. Having experienced a similar loss myself just two years ago this month, I can truly sympathize with your circumstances. Although I never met Nick, I know from my long association with his father that was a wonderful child. My thoughts, prayers and heart go out to you all.
Loyd and Kathi Lewis
April 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, nurses, teachers, and all who knew and loved Nicholas. He was and is an angel!
Emma Magruder
April 24, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lori Atchley
April 24, 2012
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Nicholas' life. He touched my heart, and I feel honored to have known his wonderful family. Sonia and Ken were the most attentive and loving parents and Nicholas was blessed to have them as they were also blessed to have such a beautiful child. Their unwavering devotion and unshakeable faith are something we all should strive for. My thoughts and prayers are with Sonia and Ken as well as the whole family. Just know that Nicholas is happy and healthy and one day you will all be together again! Love Lori, RN
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5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343
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