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Phillip Gerdes Obituary
Mr. Gerdes, 70, died on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Levine Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville. Born on August 22, 1938, in Wilmington, NC, Phillip was the son of the late John Henry and Jane Marie Rehder Gerdes, devout Lutherans, who instilled in him the values of hard work and an obligation to help the less fortunate.
Phillip graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1960, and received his law degree from the university in 1964. After law school, he moved his small family to Charlotte, where he practiced law for 45 years, serving on several BAR committees, as well as on the Board of the Legal Aid Society.
In 1968, he co-founded the inner-city Fellowship League to provide African-American boys the opportunity to play Pony league baseball in the then all-white Pony league.
Phillip had a deep interest in helping the mentally challenged, and served as President of the Mecklenburg County ARC, and also served on the State Board. In 1973, he co-founded St. Mark's Center, now Lifespan, to provide services for the profoundly, developmentally disabled. He also served as President of Nevins Center.
Phillip had a deep interest in local government, and he served on the NC State Social Services Commission, several local and state study commissions, and he served two terms on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners.
He loved history, art, and the out-of-doors, and he served as a member of the first Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Properties Commission, on the boards of the Center for Faith in the Arts, and the Mecklenburg County Historical Association.
As a long-time Board member and past Chairman of the Charlotte-area Salvation Army, he considered his involvement with the organization as being the best opportunity to serve the needy anywhere.
He loved his many friends and also enjoyed the conviviality of his relationships with fellow members of Myers Park Country Club, where he served as President.
He thanked God for His gifts of grace, the holy Catholic Church, the capacity to believe, his loving family and friends, and the exceptional existence he has through his faith.
Phillip is survived by his loving, caregiver wife, Evelyn Blythe Crutchfield Gerdes, his loving daughters Jane Elizabeth Gerdes and Amy Johanna Gerdes Phillip, her husband, Keith, his much-loved grandchildren Anna Blythe Moore, and David Ford Phillip, his niece Catherine Marie Gerdes, and his God-child, Elizabeth Woodbury Schuett. He was preceded in death by his older brother Jon Henry Gerdes.
Memorials may be made to Levine-Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078; St. Mark's Lutheran Church, local social ministries, 1001 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, the Charlotte-area Salvation Army Command, P.O.Box 31128, Charlotte, NC 28231 and Center for Faith in the Arts, P.O.Box 4098, Salisbury, NC 28145-4098.
A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Thursday, April 9, 2009, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1001 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC. A reception will follow at the church. A graveside service in Oaklawn Cemetery, Wilmington, NC will be at a later date.
J. B. Tallent Funeral Service is serving his family. Online condolences may be shared through www.tallentfuneralservice.com
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Gerdes
Susan McSwiney
December 22, 2009
Phillip will be missed here, but we know he is celebrating in Heaven!
Richard Voorhees
April 15, 2009
Phil was a dear friend, a clear thinker, and a patriot. We shall miss him. Richard Voorhees
Marc Phillips
April 10, 2009
Although I did not know Mr. Gerdes personally, I had the pleasure of working for St. Mark's Center during its early years, and have continued to work with many of the programs that he helped to establish and support. I am sure that his public service often meant time away from his family; but his efforts and their sacrifice are much appreciated.
Julie Hall
April 9, 2009
Dear Gerdes family, I was deeply saddened to hear Phillip had passed. He was one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Always a kind word, he inspired me to be my personal best and always encouraged the positive. A true gentleman, and I will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers -- Julie Hall, The Estate Lady.
Donna Keith Mode
April 9, 2009
Dear Mrs. Gerdes and family, I will always remember Mr. Gerdes. He was one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever known. Such a wonderful caring, interesting, and gentle man. I carry great memories of our fishing trip together, his many stories, and his love for hot sauce! My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed, but God definitely has a very special angel now to help with His work.
Sherri Brower
April 9, 2009
My family (the Blackburns) were your next door neighbors on Maywood Drive, when you first moved to Charlotte. I was saddened to read of Phil's death and would like to extend my condolences. I lost both parents (Shirley & Bobby) last summer 2 weeks apart, so I do understand what you are going through. Take care,
Renee Carpenter
April 9, 2009
Oh Evelyn and family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Phillip. I saw the obituary in the newspaper this morning. We are thinking about you and know that God is holding your hand and his in this difficult time. He loved you so much Evelyn and it showed in the way he looked at you. We miss all of our friends at St Mark's and think of you often.
Emma Fisher
April 8, 2009
My sister, Louise Rehder was married to Stanley Rehder for many years.The Gerdes and Rehder families were very close. Phillip and I were teen age friends. What a wonderful inspiration to all he must have been. My sincere sympathy to his family. Em Davis Fisher.
Kevin Thompson
April 8, 2009
Mr. Gerdes was a great man. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family during this tough time. Kevin and Gailyn Thompson(Mouth of Wilson, VA)
Woody Burton
April 8, 2009
Evelyn, Christy and I are so very sad to hear of Phil's death. I lost a husband to cancer many years ago. He was taken way too soon. I know the loss you are experiencing. Embrace your faith and may God be with you through the coming months.
Woody Burton
J. Edward Crutchfield, Jr
April 8, 2009
Phil Gerdes was the consumate Southern Gentleman and a deeply committed Christian who gave so much to the less fortunate. I was privileged to be his brother-in-law and cherish many wonderful memories of our time together. He will be missed.
Ed Crutchfield
April 8, 2009
Phil Gerdes left this world a better place with his many acts of kindness in helping so many others.He will be long remembered as my wonderful brother-in-law. I cherish the many good memories and thank God for the good life he had.
Tom Harris
April 8, 2009
"Skeet" and I were remembering Phil this past week-end at his place in Beaufort, SC. Phil was "one of the good guys" and it was an honor to have called him a friend. My sincere condolences
April 8, 2009
Wishing you comfort at this time with heartfelt sympathy.
Love, Pat and Trisha
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