Paul “Papa” Wesley Phillips

August 14, 1927 - January 19, 2021
Paul “Papa” Wesley Phillips

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Mr. Paul Wesley Phillips 93, passed away Tuesday evening, January 19, 2021 at his Leland home of 52 years with his loving family surrounding his bedside.

Paul was born in Rockingham, NC on August 14, 1927 the son of the late Sipp Wesley and Rosabelle Johnson Phillips. Also preceding him in death a brother Carl Phillips and a sister Dorothy P. Williams. He retired in 1966 after 21 years in the United States Navy and was one of the last remaining few that were stationed on board the USS Battleship North Carolina. After retirement he worked civil service at Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal for 20 years. Followed by 20 years of service at the Cameron Art Museum.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years Evonne Richardson Phillips, sons Jimmy Phillips (Leslie) and David Phillips (Debbie) of Wilmington; daughter Betsy Robbe. Eight grandchildren, Shawn Phillips (Jessica), Cory Mazzola (Mary), Joshua Phillips, Michael Phillips (Kenzie) and Brooklyn Phillips, and three great grandchildren Abel, Jeremiah and Ellington Phillips. With three brothers, Harold Phillips (Sylvia), Richard Phillips (Minnie Ellen), and Jim Phillips (Lovell). As well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Cameron Art Museum on Friday January 22, 2021. Visitors are welcome 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Family will be present from 11-1 PM. Please feel free to stop in and sign the guest book and to pay final respects to Paul.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted 3:00 PM Saturday at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Full Military Honors will be given by the United States Navy. The service will be live-streamed on Wilmington Funeral & Cremations Facebook page starting at 2:55 PM.

The family suggest memorials be directed to The NC Battleship Memorial, The Cameron Arts Museum or Veterans Of Foreign Wars.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403. 910.791.9099

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