William Gerald Phillips, 85, of Siler City died Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Duke University Medical Center, Durham.
Mr. Phillips was born in Chatham County on May 9, 1934, the son of Barringer and Velma (Jones) Phillips. He grew-up on a dairy farm in the Fair Promise United Methodist Church Community. Gerald loved the out of doors, milking cows, raising cattle, riding his John Deere tractor with his dogs following close behind. He was an active member of Oakley Baptist Church and the Pauline Powers Sunday School Class.
Gerald was a skilled welder and mechanic and worked for Carolina Steel and retired from AC Corporation after 39 years of service. He enjoyed collecting antique cars, especially Chevy. He was the proud owner of a 1919 Chevy convertible and received a national award for his 1941 Chevy. Gerald enjoyed sharing his love of the farm life by taking children riding on his tractor or golf cart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Earle Phillips.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years,: Marian (Dixon) Phillips; nephew, Gary Phillips of Bear Creek; and many other nieces and nephews and in-laws.
A memorial service will be Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Oakley Baptist Church, 2300 Siler City-Glendon Road, Siler City with Dr. Jeff Johnson and Rev. Keith Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends in the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakley Baptist Church or the Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at: www.pughfuneralhome.com .