Obituary
Michael Phillips

Michael “Mike” Lawrence Phillips, 58, of Goldston, NC, passed peacefully at home on November 7, 2025, with his wife, Amy, attending by his side, following a long illness. Born in Lee County on July 25, 1967, Michael lived a life marked by love, faith, and service to others. Michael is survived by his wife, Amy; son Michael (Melissa) and their children Marina, Lexi, Bentley, Anneliese, and Faith of Sanford, NC; daughter Brittany Gustafson (Brian) and their children Brynli and Broxen of Norfolk, VA; brother Steven Phillips of Pinnacle, NC; sister Joanna Lance (Mark) and their children Colin and Maggie of Mebane, NC. He was the beloved son of Larry Phillips and Judy Collins, grandson of Glen and Lola Phillips and Tom and Genevieve Collins, all of whom preceded him in death. He also leaves behind cherished in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends. Michael grew up in Chatham and Lee County; After attending Lee Senior High School, Michael began his career as a master automotive mechanic at Perry Brothers Auto Service in Sanford, NC. He later worked at Faircloth’s Tire and Automotive and lastly at Atlantic Auto & Tire. Michael mentored many young mechanics in those shops and gained a large number of faithful customers over the years. He was a man dedicated to hard work and a job-well-done at the end of a day. Michael was a long-standing member of Goldston Baptist Church where he served on various committees and lent his immense skills and talents to many of the remodeling and improvement projects at the church. He ran the church’s PA system during services and events and, just as with his friends and family, was always willing and able to provide help as needed. When the Chatham Christian Academy sought a new home for the sake of the gospel, Michael contributed countless hours securing and supervising contractors and lending his own hands to renovate the church to accommodate the needs of the new school. Michael loved classic cars, bluegrass music, and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway but most importantly he loved spending time with his friends and family. He will be remembered for his quiet smile, humor, strong faith, and generous spirit. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on December 6, 2025, in the Fellowship Hall of Goldston Baptist Church, 190 North Street, Goldston, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chatham Christian Academy at the same address or by visiting: https://www.chathamchristianacademy.com/donate-1. Michael’s light will continue to shine in the lives he touched and the faith he so deeply shared.