Obituary: Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jasper (Jack) Louis Phillips, Jr., MD, FACS, on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories. He was born February 20, 1936, to the late Thelma Louise Christian Elliot Phillips and Jasper Louis Phillips, Sr.
A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Robert Harris at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial will follow.
Dr. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, after which he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study mathematics at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, he continued his education at UNC Chapel Hill, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed his medical internship at the University of Florida in Gainesville and his General Surgery residency at Charlotte Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, NC, where he served as Chief Resident for two years.
During the Vietnam War era, Jack was drafted into the United States Navy, where he served as General Medical Officer in Norfolk, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida. He later joined the United States Army, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr. Phillips dedicated his professional life to the practice of General Surgery, serving patients in Kinston and Southport, North Carolina, before retiring from Duplin General Hospital in 1998. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a distinction reflecting his dedication to the field of surgery and the highest standards of professional practice.
In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Lilly Morgan Vice- Adcock.
Jack leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Deborah Beard Phillips; daughters, Denise Renee Phillips Lovell (Bill) of Lancaster, South Carolina, and Lynn Elliot Phillips Turner of Monroe, North Carolina; stepdaughter, Tina Boyette Hart of Kinston; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Fritz.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lenoir County SPCA, PO Box 1481, Kinston NC 28503, or the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 11209, Charlotte, NC 28220.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com
