Terry Wayne Phillips

Terry Wayne Phillips, 78, formerly of Princeton, IL passed away on September 24th, 2025 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, PA.

Born June 3rd, 1947 in Peoria, IL, the son of Robert and Martha (Godfrey) Phillips. Terry was raised in Robinson, IL and graduated from Robinson High School class of 1965 where he received the prestigious Allison Award as the school's most outstanding athlete and academic scholar. He then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Illinois State University, class of 1969 where he was a member of the baseball and track & field teams. He worked in secondary education before transitioning to the insurance industry, ultimately returning to education as an alternative schoolteacher prior to retiring. Upon retirement, he enjoyed working part-time as a driver for the Bureau County Senior Center.

Though he may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness, compassion, and generosity and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Terry's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. His faith and Christian beliefs remained steadfast. Terry was a member of the Princeton United Methodist Church. He completed the Discipleship Bible Study, served as the church youth group leader, and assisted with Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. He also participated in multiple Walk to Emmasus movements. After serving as the Director for Princeton Youth Baseball League (PYBL) for several years, he then enjoyed coaching Little League, Junior League, and Senior League baseball and middle school/junior high school travel basketball for many years. He also served on the Princeton School District strategic planning committee.

In recent years, Terry relocated to Pennsylvania to spend quality time with his son. Surviving are his son, Brigham Phillips of State College, PA, brother David (Linda) Phillips of Peoria, IL, stepbrother Steve (Brenda) Atwood of West Union, IL, stepsister Kathy (Dave) Anderson of Dayton, OH, special friend Kimberly Phillips of St. Petersburg, FL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Richard "Dick" Atwood, stepsister and stepbrother in law Diane (Atwood) and Bob Germain.

Cremation arrangements are private. A celebration of life will take place in Princeton, IL at a later date to be announced with inurnment in Robinson, IL.