Tom Paxton Phillips

January 27, 2025

Tom Paxton Phillips, age 93, of Denver, NC, formerly of Charlotte, died January 27, 2025. A Mecklenburg County native, Tom was born June 28, 1931, son of John Clay Phillips and Margaret Kathleen Paxton Phillips. Tom retired from the D.L. Phillips Company where he had been the President and CEO since 1973. He had joined the company in 1955 shortly after his marriage to Elizabeth Ann Phillips and the completion of his Navy service. Tom and Lib were married on September 5, 1952 in the Alameda Naval Air Station Chapel between two of his deployments. They enjoyed sixty-six wonderful years together until her death in 2019.

Tom spent four years in the US Navy. He was a flight engineer and flew 43 combat missions while stationed for nine months in Japan and Korea with the VP871 Patrol Squadron. Tom received the Air Medal, Gold Star in lieu of a second Air Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and numerous other medals for his Korean War service. Tom’s military service spurred a life-long love of flying helicopters and airplanes.

Tom was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan, and an avid conservationist. He loved to duck hunt and fish. He was a life member of the Grand National Waterfowl Association, the Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and the NRA. Tom was appointed to the NC Medical Care Commission by Governor James Hunt and served for 22 years, five of those as Vice Chairman. He also served for seven years on the Sacred Heart College Board of Trustees and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the college. Tom was presented the highest honor in North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, by Governor Mike Easley.

Tom is survived by his son,  Andy Phillips. Andy and his wife, Jan live in Denver, NC. Tom is also survived by a brother, Sam Phillips and his wife Norma of Denver, NC

A service to celebrate the life of Tom Phillips will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Sharon Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Boulevard, PO Box 710, Belmont, NC 28012-710; or UNCC Athletic Foundation, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral and Cremation Services, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com

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