Mr. Benny Phillips

Message from John D. Mock, Jr.

I was shocked to learn of cousin Benny's death. We had not had much contact in recent years but he was my boyhood hero. Benny was three years older than me so I was always the tag-along kid you tried to get away from. But he taught me how to swim at the "Y" in Elkin and later when I was in high school, he gave me good advice on playing various sports.
Benny was a good athlete, quite rugged. I don't know how our school arranged it but he played varsity football in the eighth grade. It looked like he had a promising future in sports until polio took that away. He didn't let his affliction slow him down much. His parents had a car rigged with hand controls and that gave Benny mobility that many of his friends did not have. He led an active social life.
We went to different collages in different towns and our lives diverged. I kept up with him through family connections until those were broken by deaths. I was always amused at his succcess as a journalist. That didn't fit the youth I knew.
Goodbye cousin. May you rest in peace.

Message from Earl Fannin

We lost a good man and a good friend. Memories are strong but we are sad.

Message from Dana And Vickie Wooten

Dear Judy, We were sorry to hear of Benny's death. We have many memories of the times we were together in Boonville at different events. We enjoyed the times we were with Cleve as well. May God richly bless you now and in the days ahead. In Christian Love, Dana and Vickie Wooten

Message from Kenneth E Phillips

I am sorry to hear of Benny's death. I vaugely remember seeing him in the Early 1940's. Our family, Troy Phillips (brother of Marshall) moved to Maryland in the 1940s.
The one time I remember seeing Benny nwas at Grady's house when the "grown-ups" were sitting in the Kitchen and drinking Home Brew out of a tub.

Kenneth E phillips
TopperK@aol.com

Message from Steve Tucker

I befriended Benny Phillips when I moved to NC to accept my first out-of-town job. It was to work at the Thomasville Times as a sports reporter and I was just a kid, living away from hometown for the first time. We shared the news room with the High Point Enterprise and it was here that Benny and I hit it off and became close friends. Benny guided me and taught me life lessons that shaped me as a person. I am the person I am today because of Benny. In fact, it was Benny who forged my life path when he encouraged me and set things up for me accept a position in NASCAR’s public relations dept. I hadn’t seen Benny much over the past few years as life took me away from Winston Cup racing. I will always cherish our friendship. Godspeed Benny.

Message from Bill Blair

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I spent a lot of hours with Benny over the years when he wrote racing articles about my Dad and me. I will miss his friendship and I always looked forward to reading any articles he had published. Bill Blair, High Point, NC

Message from mike foster

1 file added to the album New Album Name

Message from mike foster

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Message from Demp Bradford

5 files added to the tribute wall

Message from Mike Foster

8 files added to the album New Album Name

Message from Mike Foster

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Message from Larry Dawalt

Benny gave me my first real newspaper job when I was a senior at High Point Central. It was an honor to serve as his 'copy boy.' He taught me a lot about writing, and about life. He even let me work 'the desk' one night. I thought of him often and will absolutely never forget him. My condolences to his family. - Larry Dawalt, Charlotte, NC - HPC Class of 1972

A candle was lit by Judith "Judy on January 26, 2012 10:12 AM

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Benny's determination made him so unique and an inspiration to all who knew him. I will never forget his laughter, his love of sports and his his wife, Judy. May God go with you every step of the way. I feel like the poem below is what Benny would say.
I'M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid, you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call.
I turned around and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found the peace on a sunny day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A family shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now; He set me free.

~ Unknown ~

Message from Ronnie Phillips

4 files added to the album Working at his farm April 2011