Obituary
Steve Phillips

Steven “Steve” Vernon Phillips, 68, of Fuquay-Varina, NC passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 28, 1956 in Raleigh, NC to Melvin and Ruth Phillips. His younger years were filled with bouts and laughs with his siblings, hunting with family, and scouting with his local BSA troop. He was thoroughly active in the church and spoke fondly of his years in Jr Air Force ROTC. He met his wife Debbie through their church youth group where she asked him out to the Sadie Hawkins event. They married on October 24, 1981 and had two children Adam and Michael. He worked at First Citizens Bank as vault custodian, teller floor manager, credit administrations, and lastly environmental risk management. After 47 years of service to the bank and the great patrons that had a chance to work with him, he retired from First Citizens on December 31, 2022. Steve enjoyed splitting his time between his homes in Fuquay Varina and Pine Knoll Shores. He enjoyed walks on the beach, surf fishing, five gallon bucket gardening, and spending quality time with his family over delicious local seafood. Steve is survived by his wife Debbie of 43 years and beloved lab, Brody, his son Adam (Michele) and their pups Pete and Bear, his son Michael (Toni) and their pup Archie, his in-laws Shelby (Joe) Dean, his sister Martha (Steve) Whitehead, sister-in-law Betsy Phillips, her son Josh (Emily) and their son Caleb, his aunt Ginger Newton and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin (Ruth) Phillips and his brother Van Phillips. His celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Fieldstream Farm, 8008 Old Stage Road, Raleigh, NC from 2:00-4:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to spcawake.org/donate