Athel Dean Phillips

Mr. Athel Dean Phillips, age 90 of Purlear went home to be with the Lord, on October 1, 2025.  He was born December 20, 1934, to Guy Canyon and Nellie Mikeal Phillips of Wilkes County, who preceded him in death.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 5, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. John T. Vannoy, III officiating.

Athel was married to his sweetheart Patsy Ann Eller for 69 years.  They have two children, Alisa Phillips of North Wilkesboro and Kevin Phillips Sr. (Susie) of Mooresville; two grandchildren, Alison Long (Charlie) of Charlotte and Kevin Phillips Jr. of Boone and one great granddaughter, Evelyn Rose Long of Charlotte, who he delighted in; and two sisters, Emma Jean Payne of North Wilkesboro and Madylene Walsh of Winston-Salem.

Mr. Phillips was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Purlear, where he served in many positions, including choir director and deacon.  He was a member of The North Carolina National Guard.

His career was in banking.  He worked for Northwestern Bank, which merged with First Union where he retired.  He was the owner and operator of Gentlemen’s Village, a men’s clothing store.

He loved music.  He played the piano, banjo and guitar.  He enjoyed going to hear local bands play bluegrass, country and hymns.

He was an outdoors man.  He loved hunting, fishing and the mountains.  He was also an avid gardener and until his death maintained his yard, which he took pride in.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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