William David Phillips, Jr.

William David Phillips, Jr., 70, of Carolina Beach, died of cancer in Wilmington on May 13, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his father, William David Phillips, Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Deane Bolton Phillips; son, William David Phillips III; daughter, Margaret Grace Phillips both of Ocean Isle Beach; sister, Becky Gibbons and husband, Miller, and their children, Walton Gibbons and wife, Kelly, Kate Putney and husband, Witt, and David Gibbons and wife, Courtney; great-nephews, William Putney and Beau Gibbons; great-niece, Virginia Putney.

David was born and raised in Laurinburg.  At 6’7” tall, he excelled in sports, particularly basketball and track. He was the first North Carolinian to high jump over 7 feet. He went to the University of Maryland, and later returned home and graduated from UNC-Pembroke and lived most of his life at Ocean Isle Beach and Carolina Beach. He was a landscaper and independent contractor and was quite talented at renovating kitchens and bathrooms. David had a huge heart, caring for his friends and neighbors at Harbor Oaks for the last 25 years. He was a “free spirit” and lived his 70 years to the fullest! He was happiest on his 9^th floor balcony overlooking the ocean, soaking up the sun and breathing in the salt air.

There will be a private ceremony on the beach at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the hospice house that so lovingly cared for him in his final weeks: Lower Cape Fear Life Care Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 252-237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com

AT THE BEACH

I look out over the water as far as my eyes can see,

and I feel a peace come over me.

All of the stress of my day seems to slip away,                                          

as I listen to the sound of the waves splashing on the shore

How can I ask for more?                                                                                    

But God if you will, please make time stand still.                                              

For it seems no dream is out of reach, when I'm here at the beach!