Paul Ferguson Phillips

On November 19, 2023, Paul Ferguson Phillips returned to his heavenly home. Paul was born in Yellow Creek, North Carolina on December 21, 1944. He was raised in Bessemer City, and he always treasured growing up in the country. His childhood was full of exciting outdoor adventures with his two older brothers and his parents.

Paul was a witty and creative individual with a knack for filling the room with laughter and warmth. He had an off-the-wall sense of humor that was always at the ready, and a way with words that made him a captivating storyteller. His love for people was such that he could strike up a conversation with anyone and use his humor to coax a smile out of them. He was a “good ol’ boy”, proud
of his southern roots and fond of shooting pool and shooting the bull, as he would say.

Paul served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served as an auto repairman. He later served in the Army National Guard where he was trained as a sharpshooter. Paul spent many years working as a printing press operator and later as a water treatment plant operator for Bessemer City until he retired.

Pauls love for life was evident in his varied hobbies and interests. He had a unique appreciation for the beauty of the world and loved to capture it as a photographer. Paul was a talented wordsmith and enjoyed writing and sharing what he called “situation poetry.” His poems touched a broad spectrum of emotions, inspiring us to move through the challenges of life with a grateful heart and a smile. Paul enjoyed working with wood, leather, and metal to create hand-made crafts. In his leisure time, he was a competitive billiards player and a lover of major league baseball. His love for the outdoors saw him hunting and fishing, and he was an excellent gardener finding joy in growing beautiful flowers and vegetables on his property.

Paul married Judy Harklerode on March 11, 2004. They made their home in Vale, NC on a beautiful piece of property near the woods. Paul cherished Judy’s companionship and support along with that of her family members.
Paul had a special place in his heart for children and a unique way of reaching out to them and making them feel loved. It warmed his heart and theirs as well. He also carried a love for animals, especially his dogs, throughout his life.

Paul was raised to love God and his faith was a beacon in his life. His family was what mattered most to him. He made every effort to stay connected to his loved ones, no matter the physical distance that often separated them. Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his children Shauna Gappmayer, Shelley (Stephen) Heaton, David Phillips, Debra
(Matthew) Ekker; 9 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, in addition, 4 step-grandchildren including Anna (Chris) Byrd and her family who hold a special place in Paul’s heart. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy Harklerode Phillips; his parents, Dallas Phillips and Maggie Shope; and his brothers David, Jack, and Lloyd “PeeWee” Phillips, and his son-in-law, Kirk Gappmayer.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, 22 November at 2:00 pm at Tate Mortuary (110 South Main Street, Tooele, UT). A funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the same location. Services will also be held on Monday, 27 November at the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service (2170 Rutherford Rd, Marion, NC), with a visitation at 10:00 am and a celebration of life to follow at
11:00 am. Interment will be at Rocky Pass Cemetery (6601 Harmony Grove Rd, Nebo, NC).