Paul W. Phillips, 87, passed into glory on June 25, 2020 with his adoring family by his side at his home in Maryville, Tennessee. Paul was born August 17, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Ben and Inez (Wiley) Phillips. His father was an accountant with Standard Oil, and he spent his early years in Argentina. Later, his family settled in McKenzie, Tennessee where he graduated from high school. He met the love of his life, Lura Alice Smith at Bethel College, and they were married in 1953. Paul worked 40+ years in employee relations for Dupont in New Johnsonville where they were active members of New Johnsonville UMC. Paul and Alice retired to Maryville, Tennessee in 2004 where he enjoyed many years of golf outings and involvement at Fairview UMC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Inez (Wiley) Phillips of McKenzie. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Alice Phillips; sons and their wives, Mike and Robbie; and Barry and Amy of Memphis. Also mourning the loss of “Pawpaw" are his grandchildren, Kali Hanson (Kevin); Caroline Fortenberry (Paul); Tait Phillips; Candace Askew (Graham) of Memphis; Brent Phillips (Liz) of [Memphis]; Lauren Black (Steve) of Pittsburg; and great-grandchildren, Kinley and Korbin Hanson; Markel, Kiyana, Owen and Levi Fortenberry; Kate, Luke and Alex Askew; baby Alice Phillips; and Bennett and Brooks Black. A private family graveside service will be held Sunday, June 28th at 2:00 at Carpenters Campground Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at Smithview Pavilion & Event Center, 601 Smithview Drive, Maryville at 3:00 pm. Immediately following the service, family will visit with friends until 4:00 pm. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul W. Phillips please visit our Sympathy Store.