Talmadge Porter Phillips Jr.

Talmadge Porter Phillips Jr. obituary, Wake Forest, NC

Talmadge Porter Phillips Jr.

Talmadge Phillips Jr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 9, 2024.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Talmadge (Tal) Porter Phillips Jr., who left this world peacefully on Tuesday night, August 6th, at 9:35 PM, surrounded by his cherished family in the warmth and love of his home. Though our grief is profound, we find comfort in knowing he is now in the embrace of the Lord.

Born in North Carolina to Talmadge Phillips and Burtice Nolen in August of 1949, Tal's journey took him through the landscapes of Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, where he lived a life rich in experiences and relationships. Preceded in Heaven by his sister Jean Mullis, Tal is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Betsy Phillips, his loving children Kelli Nelson and Tal Phillips III, his adored grandchildren Drew Nelson, Garrett Nelson, Tal Phillips IV, and Reagan Phillips, his dear sister Judy Phillips, his nephew Butch Cothran, along with nieces Robin Price and Wendy Powley.

Tal was truly an extraordinary man-brilliant, accomplished, and endlessly kind. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a steadfast provider, and a loyal friend. His family was the center of his world, and he took immense pride in caring for them, always ensuring they were loved, supported, and secure. Tal's sharp wit and boundless generosity defined him. He gave freely, even when he had little to give, sharing his time, resources, and wisdom with anyone in need. His influence was far-reaching, mentoring countless people throughout his life. His impact is immeasurable. As a close friend wrote, "He had a high school education and became an executive with one of the most storied companies in American business history. He understood how to treat people and inspire them to achieve with intelligence, humor, and support. A genius leader."

A service to honor and celebrate Tal's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, August 24th at 12:00 NOON at Wake Forest Baptist Church, 107 E South Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Link to Live Stream for the Celebration:

https://youtube.com/live/u3AZVcoo2s0

Tal Phillips will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, leadership, and love will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. His love as a husband, father, and friend will forever be cherished and remembered..

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December 4, 2024

Mary Donato posted to the memorial.

August 23, 2024

Debbie Stillwell posted to the memorial.

August 21, 2024

Paul and Lynn Newman posted to the memorial.

Mary Donato

December 4, 2024

Tal was a wonderful leader, mentor, and friend. I enjoyed working with him at Dun & Bradstreet and appreciated his business knowledge. Most of all, I enjoyed our friendship and his kindness to the people he worked with. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Debbie Stillwell

August 23, 2024

I met Betsy and Tal a couple of years ago when I moved in next door. They were the first to welcome me and quickly became people I felt I had known for years. Tal always had a funny story to tell and he enjoyed visits from my golden retriever, even though she sometimes popped over uninvited.
My deepest condolences for your family and may his memories be a comfort during this difficult time.

Paul and Lynn Newman

August 21, 2024

We met Tal and Betsy when we moved to Heritage in WF. They were the best neighbors ever and we still consider them some of our closest friends. Tal had such a great sense of humor and was a great guy to be around. When we moved out of N.C. a few years later we continued to visit and keep our friendship alive. When I worked back in N.C. they welcomed me back into their home as my second home.
Always enjoyed some of the laughs we had on the golf course and great dinners at the Phillips house.
We will miss you Tal and hope to see you again.
Love from
Paul and Lynn Newman

Mike and Patty Browning

August 21, 2024

I worked at D&B with Tal for 26 years. He was a friend, leader and was a joy to be around. We played many a golf round together in our annual trips to Myrtle Beach. My wife, Patty and I will miss his sense of humor and quick wit. Our deepest condolences to Betsy and the rest of the Phillips family. Tal, remember... only fairways and greens.

Lew Moore

August 20, 2024

In the mid 1970's as a newly promoted manager of D&B's Commercial Collection Division in Greensboro, Tal was strong role model to me and a trusted friend throughout my 42 year D&B career! As he rose through the ranks to the top position in the reporting division, he always treated me and everyone else who ever worked with or for him with respect and his usual great sense of humor. Condolences to Betsy, Kelli, Tal, III and all of the family and heartfelt thanks for sharing Tal with all of us who knew and loved him! Lew Moore Greensboro, NC

Susan Dahl

August 18, 2024

Oh what fun four couples had in Georgia. The men playing golf and couples eating out and partying. Tal was always joking and I was always impressed with his intelligence and job. Now my Terry, and Randy, Carol and Tal are with the Lord. We have the best memories and will see them again. Prayers are with Betsy and family. Susan Dahl

Maura OMalley Hill

August 15, 2024

I loved Tal Phillips! He was my mentor, the best boss ever and my friend. Thank you Tal for being the amazing man you were.

Maura O´Malley Hill

Wendy Powley

August 13, 2024

Wendy Powley

August 13, 2024

Wendy Powley

August 13, 2024

Wendy Powley

August 13, 2024

Wendy Powley

August 13, 2024

Wendy Powley

August 13, 2024

Memories of old family times

Ronald (Ron) Isham

August 12, 2024

So sorry to hear of Tal's passing. I worked with Tal for many years at the Tampa Dun & Bradstreet office. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Claudia Carlino

August 12, 2024

Dear Phillips Family,
I was fortunate to work with Tal early in my career and benefiting from his leadership. Tal was a kind and generous man who will be missed by many.
With deepest sympathy,
Claudia Carlino

Single Memorial Tree

Steve and brenda moore

Planted Trees

Henry Weaver

August 11, 2024

Tal and I went to work for Dun & Bradstreet the same day in 1968 and I had the pleasure of working with and for him until 2000. Such a great guy and a great manager and leader. I am so sorry for your loss.

Katie pauley

August 11, 2024

Mr. Tal became a third grandpa to our girls. They loved running across the street to give him the biggest hug and he always had a piece of candy waiting for them. One of my most favorite memories of him with the girls was when he came over and he let our youngest daughter do his "makeup". We have always looked up to Tal and Betsy´s marriage and outlook on life. Life is too short, don´t sweat the small stuff and make sure to laugh along the way. We are gonna miss Mr. Tal a tremendous amount but are thankful for the memories.

Melanie Jerman

August 11, 2024

Dear Phillips Family,
I worked for D&B from 1979 through 1981 during and after high school. What a wonderful man Mr. Phillips was and how patient he was. He treated all of the staff with tremendous respect and was a true gentleman. I often thought of him during my career and wished all managers were such a man as Mr. Phillips. May it be a comfort and blessing to your family to know he had an impact on others throughout his career. May God bless you and comfort each of during this time of grief and sorrow.
Melanie Maness Jerman

Ashley Adams

August 11, 2024

Tal and Betsy were the best beach neighbors. My only regret is that we didn´t spend more time together earlier on. Tal and Betsy brighten everyone´s day with their stories and laughter! They are a great example of what marriage should be and how to live life to the fullest.

Susan Watson

August 10, 2024

So sorry for your loss. I met Tal when I played my first Toughie Scramble at Heritage. Such a nice man and a great golfer. After that he always spoke to me and made me feel welcome. I always enjoyed seeing him at the course. He will be missed.

Frank and Charlotte Cothran

August 10, 2024

I remember Judy pushing Tal on a tricycle on Sylvania Ave when he was just a little boy. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all

Tim Riordan

August 9, 2024

Tal was one of the best guys you could ever meet. We would solve the world's problems waiting to get tee times Saturday morning in the freezing cold and hot summer mornings. He will be greatly missed, they certainly don't make them like Tal anymore.

David Sykes

August 9, 2024

Tal was an awesome man. I learned so much talking with and watching him in past 20+ years. He was generous, kind and funny too! We´ll all miss him and cherish the time we got to spend together. David S.

Wendy Powley

August 9, 2024

Uncle Tal was the highlight of family gatherings. He always had a joke and a smile and my childhood memories of him will always be cherished. One year at Christmas Tal went missing. It was the year my Grandfather died. I had received a cassette tape recorder that year. He went in the room and made a cassette pointing out all the gifts and laughing at each and every one. Although we were all so very sad he gave us a reason to laught that year. His humor and smile will always be the fondest memory I have of him. I am so sorry that I have missed so much time with him. You will be missed Uncle Tal. Hug my sweet mother and tell her that we will all be together again soon.

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December 4, 2024

Mary Donato posted to the memorial.

August 23, 2024

Debbie Stillwell posted to the memorial.

August 21, 2024

Paul and Lynn Newman posted to the memorial.