Gerald Fred “Todd” Phillips: Obituary

Gerald Fred “Todd” Phillips passed away peacefully at the Clay County Care Center on Monday, December 9. He was 93 years old. He passed away just a few days shy of his 94th birthday.

Todd was a life-long resident of Clay County. He was a barber on the town square In Hayesville, NC for 60 years with many local kids getting their first haircut from him. The barber shop was also a hang out for many men who dropped by throughout the day to find out the local news, swap stories about hunting and fishing, and try to solve all the problems in the world. He was an active member of the Lions Club for many years, served as president of the Clay County School Board of Education for eight years, and was the Scout Master for a local Boy Scout Troop. He was also one of the longest serving members of the Clay County Masonic Lodge No. 301 having been a member for 66 years. Last year he was awarded a special plaque for his 65 years of masonic service. He was also a Scottish Rite of Free Masonry member and a member of Oasis Shriners. He was a devout member of Truett Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir for many years.

In his free time, Todd was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman, He had a great love for animals, especially horses and dogs. He also loved to travel. He visited many states up and down the east coast and throughout the midwest and the west. In retirement, he finally went on his dream vacations to Alaska and Hawaii.

He was the son of the late Fred Phillips and Minerva Stillwell Phillips. He was also preceded in death by his two older brothers, Edward and Leonard Phillips and his two older sisters, Alice Stover and Louise Bentley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia Penland Phillips; one son, Greg Phillips of Santa Monica, CA; one daughter, Kim Bauer, son-in-law Michael Bauer, and his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine Armstrong and Erich Bauer all of Atlanta, GA; and of course his granddogs, Flora Bauer and Fosse and Gershwin Phillips. His only surviving sister, Joanne Segner, lives in Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins who have been a great source of support and love and laughter throughout his life.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 14 at Truett Memorial Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. The Rev. Johnny Foster officiated. The interment was held following the service at Marshal Chapel UMC Cemetery in Shooting Creek, NC with masonic graveside rites conducted by the Clay County Masonic Lodge No. 301. Pallbearers were nephews, Keith Henderson, Floyd Phillips, Jimmy Stover, Jerry Stover and cousins, Dan Phillips and Jason Rhinehardt.

The family received friends from 1 pm to 2:15 pm prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Truett Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 464, Hayesville, NC 28904 or the Marshal Chapel UMC Cemetery fund, c/o Ray Rogers, PO Box 185, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

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