Lewis Spinks Phillips, Jr.

Lewis Spinks Phillips, Jr., 70, of Autumn Drive, Siler City died Thursday, July 3, 2014 at his residence. Mr. Phillips was born in Chatham County on January 23, 1944 the son of Lewis Spinks Phillips, Sr. and Callie Lee Phillips. He was a graduate of Chatham Central High School and a veteran of the US Army. Lewis was a member of the First Baptist Church of Siler City where he was a former deacon, a member of the Rachel Allred Sunday School Class, and served as chairman of Men's Breakfast Club. He had been employed by the Chatham County Sherriff Department and retired from the Siler City Police Department where he had served as chief for 24 years. Active in community and civic affairs, he was a member of the Siler City Lions Club, President of West Chatham Food Pantry, member of the Siler City Moose Lodge and the NC Chief of Police Association. His pleasures in life were golfing, watching Nascar Racing and watching old western movies. His greatest joys were time spent with his immediate and extended families. A "people person" with a zest for life, he never met a stranger and was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He is survived by his wife of 49 years: Patricia (Thomas) Phillips; daughters: Emily Belcher and husband Geoff of Raleigh, NC, Ashley Philyaw and husband, David of Snow Hill, NC; granddaughters, Addison and Kenley Belcher, Caroline and Meredith Philyaw; sisters: Carol Wilson and husband, Jerry of Bear Creek, NC, Gail Gutherie and husband, Roy of Greensboro, NC, Susan Phillips and husband, Paul of Los Angeles,CA; brothers: Riley Phillips and wife, Ann of Siler City, NC, Gordon Phillips and wife, Cathy of Silk Hope, NC, William Phillips and wife, Teresa of Bear Creek, NC. Also mourning his loss is the staff of Smith & Buckner and Pugh Funeral Homes where he had worked part time for several years. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 6, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC. The funeral will be Monday, July 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 314 N. 2nd Ave., Siler City with Rev. Tony Capehart and Rev. Jim Wall. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Siler City or the West Chatham Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.