Dennis Gerald Phillips, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. He was born on July 8, 1949, in Ashe County, N.C., to the late Paul Columbus Phillips and Annie Pearl Vannoy. He was of the Baptist faith.

“Doc” lived a long, fulfilling life filled with hard work, a stubborn streak, and more than a few good jokes along the way. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Radio-Telephone Operator during the Vietnam War. He earned numerous commendations, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal for heroism in Vietnam. After serving in Vietnam, Doc returned home to work on the family farm.

Doc spent the majority of his life working as a farmer. In fact, he spent more time with cows, chickens, and crops than with most people. He enjoyed caring for his red “Republican cows!“ In addition to farming, Doc was a beekeeper running his own business, Queen Bee Apiaries. From sunup to sundown, Doc found joy in the simple, yet rewarding work of raising cows, and passing down valuable lessons to future generations. In addition to being a hard-working farmer, Doc was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor. He loved to tell stories or offer unsolicited, but often amusing, advice to anyone who would listen.

Doc loved mama’s homemade cakes, oatmeal pie and butter pecan ice cream. Prior to his health declining, he enjoyed playing the guitar to entertain us. He had many “cow dogs” over the years, including a Catahoula dog named Leppy that he let sleep in the bed with him.

Doc is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra; daughter, Christy (Tim) Huff; daughter, Denise Phillips; son, Dennis (Deanna) Phillips; and grandchildren, Garrett Huff, Collin Huff, Chad Huff, Nicolas Csucsai, Ann Marie Csucsai, Aiden Phillips, Lacie Phillips and Morgan Gourley.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 19, at Union Chapel Baptist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with services to follow, officiated by Pastor Robin Miller, with full military rites. Doc’s legacy, sense of humor, and work ethic will live on in his children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joshi, Misty Chappell NP, Wendy Lewis NP, Dr. Bradley Martin, Dr. Brent Warren, Dr. Tobias, Dr. James Mazur and hospice nurses Jennifer, Laura and Lindsey for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Phillips family.