Gary Dale Phillips, son of Frances Sheehy Phillips and the late William A. (Bill) Phillips, was born on March 10, 1958 in Poplar Bluff, MO and passed away at his home in Sanford, NC on July 16, 2019 at the age of 61.

Gary spent his early life in Dexter, MO. He attended Dexter Public Schools and is a 1976 graduate of the Missouri Military Academy. He attended Morehead State University in Morehead, KY with an interest in communications.

After college, Gary became an announcer and News Director of KDEX Radio in Dexter, MO. He later worked at 2 radio stations in SC. As radio became more automated, Gary turned to print publishing to further his communications career. He became editor of several newspapers in FL and SC.

Gary’s lifelong hobby was to play the bass guitar.  He played in several local ensembles in the various places he lived.

Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church, Dexter, MO.  Later, he joined the First Baptist Church in Pageland, SC, where he sang in the choir and played bass guitar in the praise band. Utilizing his experience in radio, Gary was the narrator of the Christmas Pageant.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, William A. (Bill) Phillips and his twin brother, Terry Gale Phillips.

Gary is survived by his son, Amos W. (Bill) Phillips and grandson, William A. (Liam) Phillips of Sanford, NC.; by his mother Frances Sheehy Phillips of Bradenton, FL; by his sister, Connie Engelbrecht and husband Nelson of Charlotte, NC; by his brother, James A. (Jim) Phillips of Orlando, FL; by two nephews, Michael Engelbrecht and Mark Engelbrecht, both of Charlotte, NC; and by numerous family members and friends.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the Dexter City Cemetery on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., burial will follow. 

Rainey Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or a charity of choice.