Gary Clyne Phillips of 296 Bailey Mountain Road, Mars Hill entered heaven on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at age 67. He was the son of the late Clyne Bailey Phillips and Estoy Brown Phillips. Gary was known as a remarkable man – intelligent, witty, hard-working, and kind. He taught at North Buncombe High School from 1970-2000, teaching classes in electronics, computer science, drafting, mathematics, and physics. Because of his deep knowledge and engaging teaching style, Mr. Phillips became known to his students and colleagues as “Mr. Physics”. He was also commonly referred to as “McGyver” at the high school, referencing his similarity to the man of genius depicted on the popular tv show who could problem-solve and fix virtually any machine even in crisis situations, with whatever tools available. Gary also taught computer courses in the AB-Tech evening program for a number of years. In addition to teaching, he managed his own vehicle, machinery, and computer repair business called Handi Shop Services at his home. Gary’s wide range of skills and experience included cartooning (in his early years), farming, computer programming, computer repair, flying airplanes, welding, electrical wiring, locksmithing, auto mechanics, farm equipment repair, truck trailer building, trucking for Nascar (with occasional pit crew appearances), and playing guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. Gary enjoyed faithfully attending Gabriels Creek Baptist Church, contributing to church activities and fellowshipping with his church family. His favorite restaurant was The Wagon Wheel in Mars Hill.

Gary is survived by his two daughters April Phillips Boone (husband Kevin) and Amy Phillips Jamerson (husband Clint); twin sister Sherry Phillips Vischer (husband Robert); younger brother Doug Phillips (wife Diane); and his dear friend Louise McDevitt Hart.

The visitation service will be Friday, July 1, at Blue Ridge Funeral Service from 5:00-7:00 pm, and the funeral will be Saturday, July 2, at Gabriels Creek Baptist Church at 2:00. Reverends Gary Coates and Jerry Jamerson will officiate.

At other times, the family will be at the home of Clint and Amy Jamerson at 21 Green Ridge Road in Weaverville. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to The Buncombe County Schools Foundation, 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC 28806, Gary Phillips Scholarship Fund for North Buncombe High School Students.
Online condolences can be sent to: www.blueridgefuneralservice.org