Michael Eugene "Mike" Phillips

Michael Eugene "Mike" Phillips transitioned to his heavenly home on September 10, 2026. He was born on February 19, 1946, in Guilford County to the late Brinkley Street Phillips and Mary Jane Mills Phillips. He was the husband of the late Melba Jean Terry Phillips.

Michael, affectionately known as Mike, was a hard-working man who took great pride in everything he did. He retired as a salesman after more than 50 years in the industrial adhesive industry, a career that allowed him to build lasting friendships with both coworkers and customers. Long before that, he learned the value of hard work from his father, working alongside him at the family gas station. He later found success in the grocery business, where his creativity and attention to detail could be seen in the beautiful produce displays he created.

Mike graduated from Grimsley High School in Greensboro before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. His love of serving others continued throughout his life. He was a longtime member of Burlington Christian Church, where he faithfully served as both a deacon and treasurer.

Mike was so much more than his work and accomplishments. He had a creative heart and many talents — he loved art, woodworking, and landscaping, and poured his time into making things beautiful. His love of landscaping was especially evident in his yard, which brought him great pride, earned awards, and even landed him on the local news for his holiday displays.

Mike also knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, the mountains, and watching the snow fall. There was something childlike and joyful about the excitement he felt when snow was in the forecast. As a resident of Cedar Ridge, he enjoyed Bingo and especially loved the thrill of winning. He could often be found watching and cheering for his beloved UNC Tar Heels basketball team or following the Atlanta Braves. In his younger years, Mike enjoyed fishing and playing golf.

But Mike's greatest legacy was found in the people he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he showed that love through caring, helping, encouraging, and simply being there — even in his later years when he faced many health challenges. The memories he created with his family will be carried in their hearts for generations to come.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Emily Phillips and Allison Phillips; his stepson, Daniel Joyner and wife, Nicole; and his stepdaughter, Stefanie Horton and husband, Tommy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashlyn, Noah, Callie, Carson, Connor, and Tyler; and his sisters, Jeane Cooke, Jane Shoffner, and Joyce Clarke and husband, Steve.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Jean Terry Phillips; his parents, Brinkley Street Phillips and Mary Jane Mills Phillips; and his brothers, Donnie Phillips and Terry Phillips.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Burlington Christian Church, 301 Trail 4, Burlington, NC 27215. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Alamance County, 2213 Edgewood Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215.

Mike's family will hold tightly to the memories he gave them, grateful for the years they shared and trusting that this is not goodbye, but simply a temporary separation until they meet again.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23