David Warren Phillips, Sr., 89, of 2992 Arthur Teague Road, Siler City died Sunday, January 31, 2010 at his residence.

Mr. Phillips was born January 3, 1921 the son of David Franklin and Mattie (Andrews) Phillips. Mr. Phillips was a native of Chatham County, a farmer and construction superintendent. He was an enlisted Navy veteran of WWII. He was assigned to the USS Albemarle, a seaplane tender that served in both the European and Pacific theatres. He was promoted to Aviation Chief Boatswaim Mate Gasoline Aviation and was made Chief Petty Officer. He was involved in underwater detonation to test for the effect of the atomic bomb on naval vessels. David enjoyed telling war stories, wood working, gardening, traveling and reading. He was a member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church where he was a former Sunday School teacher, former church superintendent and had held several offices. He had served as First Captain in the Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Davis Phillips and a daughter, JoDeane Phillips Coombs.
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He is survived by two sons: David W. Phillips, Jr. and wife, Phyllis of Oak Island, Stephen D. Phillips of Siler City, NC; grandchildren, Charles Glenn Phillips and wife, Laura of La Belle, FL, Jeremy Andrew Phillips of Oak Island, NC, Evelyn Leigh Coombs of Wilmington, NC, Charity Phillips White and husband, Jason of Siler City, NC, Justin Davis Phillips of Siler City, NC; son-in-law, Richard B. Coombs of Wilmington, NC and daughter-in-law, Pamela Clark Phillips of Siler City, NC.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC. The funeral will be Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 3631 Mt. Vernon-Hickory Mountain Road, Siler City with Rev. Brian Wellborn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3631 Mt. Vernon-Hickory Mountain Road, Siler City, NC 27344