Larry Joe "Buddy" Phillips

Larry “Buddy” Joe Phillips, 81, of Kannapolis died Sunday, September 22, 2024, while at Tucker Hospice House, after a period of declining health from cancer. 

Funeral services celebrating Buddy’s life will be held Wednesday, September 25 at Whitley’s Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM and run until just before the funeral in Whitley’s Chapel at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, with Dr. Tom Cabaniss officiating. Entombment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park Plaza Mausoleum.

Buddy was born February 24, 1943, in Caldwell County, a son of the late George G. and Charlotte Chester Phillips. 

Those who remain to cherish Buddy’s memory include his wife, Betty Cauthen Phillips of the home, his daughter, Lynn Phillips Russell (Mark) of Kannapolis, his half-brother, Dale Queen (Cindy) of Wilkesboro and his sister Shirley Hobbs of Mooresville.

Buddy and his family moved to Kannapolis in 1968. He received his diploma thru A. L. Brown High School and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis. He worked for many years as a mechanic for several local businesses and ended up working for the NC DOT. He retired in 2008. 

Buddy enjoyed old classic cars, cruise-ins and car clubs. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to Europe, the mountains, beaches, and Walt Disney World. He loved the Lord and was active in his Sunday School class at First Baptist Church until he became unable to attend. Buddy was always excited to share with others any new enlightenment on a passage of Bible scriptures that he learned from the teacher and the Pastor. 

One of his favorite things was restoring old model cars in his paint and body shop. Buddy enjoyed his “Shop Time” and he could often be found there working on the latest project.

He had a heart for helping people and always lending a hand to members in the “seniors” class at First Baptist.

Buddy was a great father and husband. The family is so thankful that he is now in his forever home with Jesus. 

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” 

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com