Stephen Dale Phillips, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, went home to be with his heavenly father on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, after a courageous journey.
Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Steve was the son of the late John David “Dave” Phillips and Linda Graham Marshall Phillips.
Steve attended Central Virginia Community College and Lynchburg College, where he would also meet the love of his life, Joann. Together they built a 35-year marriage grounded in faith, love, and unwavering devotion.
Steve began a 15-year career in food and beverage management, culminating in his role as General Manager of four IBM corporate cafeterias in Research Triangle Park. He later transitioned into the insurance field, where he spent 21 years serving families and businesses with integrity and care, ultimately becoming the agency manager of Carthage Insurance Agency. His professional life was marked by dedication and a genuine concern for the people he served.
Of all his accomplishments, Steve was most proud of his two sons, Andrew Marshall (Drew) and Justin Claude. He loved the men they grew into and never missed an opportunity to share in their achievements. His pride in them and his love for his family was limitless.
Steve had an extraordinary gift for connection; he truly never met a stranger. He was known for putting others before himself, offering help without hesitation, and serving his community, especially through his involvement in youth soccer. Steve found joy in golf, the beach, cooking for family or friends and working in the yard. He had a love of classic cars and you could always find one in his garage.
For the last five years, Steve faced significant health challenges with grace and dignity while family cared for him with extraordinary love and commitment. The family wished to thank Gracie and Jeanette for the special care they provided to him during these challenges.
Steve lived a life guided by faith, anchored by his favorite scripture, John 14:1-6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.”
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by siblings, Deborah Silverman (Dale Kelly), J.D. Phillips (Bonny), Kay McFalls (Kevin), Jeff Phillips (Caroline) and his aunt who stepped in when his mom passed, Dot Coleman. He also leaves behind aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.
To honor Steve’s memory, the family respectfully requests donation be made to Team Gleason Foundation or the ALS foundation.
Mass will be Saturday, December 20,2025 at 10 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst, NC. Family will receive friends at the Country Club of North Carolina immediately following the service. A celebration of life will be held in Lynchburg Virginia at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
