Bruce Phillips

Bruce Phillips, 85, of Asheville NC passed away to be reunited with his recently deceased wife, Helen and many family members on the morning of July 17, 2021.

Bruce was born on August 18th 1935 in Bakersville NC, the son of the late Everett L. and Edna B. Phillips.

Bruce was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He loved his family above all things.  His grandchildren all called him “Paw Paw.”  During his life, taught school for 37 years as a math professor at Bowman, East Yancey and Harris High Schools, as well as Mayland Community College. In addition to being an outstanding teacher he became a mentor to many of his students.   After retiring from teaching, Bruce became a fulltime apple farmer, tending to the family orchards for several years prior to retirement as a labor of love.  His mathematical abilities were unsurpassed.  He often checked math textbooks for errors for the publishers prior to their release at their request.

He had many other passions.  He became an avid reader of poetry later in life and began writing it as well.  A lifelong car enthusiast, he became the first dealer of synthetic lubricants in the state of North Carolina.  He was a huge NASCAR fan and watched every race. Being an avid hiker, he loved the mountains of North Carolina.  He hiked all of them, with his favorite being the Roan.   He was constantly researching the genealogy of his family, tracing the Phillips family’s origins in Western North Carolina to the mid 1700’s.   Those who knew him will miss the many entertaining stories he would tell when talking with him.

Left to cherish his memories are his children: Debbie Charuk (William) of Fairview, Jerry Phillips of Hickory, and Tanya Cable (Herve) of Bakersville; one brother: Dr. Kenneth Phillips of Sherrills Ford, grandchildren: Lilly Cable, James Cable, Hank Cable, and Rosie Cable; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be  3:00 PM Friday, July 23, 2021 in the chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Beck officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers gifts can be sent to Four Seasons Hospice in Asheville.

Henline-Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Phillips Family.

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