Johnny Harris Phillips

Published 9:52 pm Friday, April 25, 2014

Johnny Harris Phillips

Nov. 16, 1939 – April 22, 2014

Johnny Harris Phillips, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.  He was born in Hertford, North Carolina, on Nov. 16, 1939, to the late Ennis T. Phillips and Lillian Harris Phillips.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, he leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Sylvia Watson Phillips; daughter, Jan Rowe and husband Mike of Washington; sons, Jon Phillips and wife Mary of Midlothian, Va., and Jef Phillips and wife Lindsay of New Bern; brother, E. T. “Phil” Phillips Jr. and wife JoAnne of Hilton Head, S.C.; grandchildren, Will Rowe, Leigh Rowe, Harris Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Price Phillips and Joshua Phillips.  He will also be missed by his beloved lab “Coco”.

A diligent servant of the Lord, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount.  For nearly four decades, he served as a coach, teacher and administrator with the North Carolina Public Schools, and was a strong believer in the impactful role that both education and athletics can play in the lives of young people.  A lifelong learner, he was a graduate and supporter of East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.  Among his proudest accomplishments was having been selected to lead Northside High School in Beaufort County during its formative years.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Douglas Slater, Dr. Donald Rabil, Dr. Sudhir Prasada, as well as the team at Duke University Medical Center, for the excellent care that they provided over the last several years.

A service of resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church-Rocky Mount, Monday, April 28, at 2 p.m. followed by a visitation and reception in the church fellowship hall.  A private interment will be held for the family.  Family will also receive visitors at the home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Music Department, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount.  You may share your memories and condolences by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.