Paul J. Phillips, 79 of Morganton, NC, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at his home. Mr. Phillips was born in Ashe County, NC to the late Frank & Lillie Eldreth Phillips. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Katherine Phillips and a granddaughter Robyn Bee Rosciolo. He is survived by his children & their spouses France & Robert Farmer of Rising Son, MD, Barbara & Claude Denton, Paulette & Paul Shatley and Paul & Dottie Phillips all of Morganton, NC; sisters & brother-in-law Velma Phillips of Lenoir, NC, and Peggy & Charles Mabe of Oxford, PA; brothers & sister-in-law Vernie & Maryland Phillips of Boone, NC and Russell Phillips of Oxford, PA; 10 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and a very special niece and nephew Willie & Ann Robinson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Bishop Cade Burns, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Little Vine Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 AM until service time. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.