Zeb Phillips, age 84, of the Windom Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Madison County, he was raised in the White Oak Community of Haywood County. He was a son of the late Elbert and Ota Sutton Phillips. Also preceding him in death are two sisters: Nora Ball, Lorena Smathers; and five brothers: Elmer Phillips, Burton Phillips, Jack Phillips, Kelly Phillips and Beecher Phillips.
Zeb was a U.S. Marine who proudly served our country from 1957 to 1960, and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was an enforcement officer with the N.C. Wildlife prior to his career with the N.C. State Highway Patrol, from which he retired in 1989 in Burnsville, with the rank of First Sergeant. He was a founding member of the Truth in Love Church. Zeb loved to read and fish, and was known for his unique split rail fences, cut from his own logs. More important than anything to him was his love for his family and the time he cherished with them.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Emma “Mimma” Phillips; his daughter, Deborah Phillips; two sons: Randy Phillips (Michele) and Andy Phillips (Ashley), all of Burnsville; six grandchildren: Randy, Jr., Kysaundra, Patrick (Carrie), Mathew (Jenn), Emily (Rohan), and India; twin sisters, Corena Henline and Colene Rogers; and two brothers: Ernest Phillips and Mitchell Phillips. He and Mary Emma were foster parents to 23 children over a period of 15 years.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on October 10th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service with Pastor Andy Phillips and Rev. Timothy Lolley officiating. Honors will be provided by the N.C. State Highway Patrol during the service. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. prior to the services.
The family would like to thank Paige and Kim of Compassionate Care WNC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care WNC at 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
