Richard Phillips

richard phillips

February 1, 1943 ~ October 2, 2026

Born in: Bakersville, North Carolina
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

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Richard Phillips, 83 of Asheville, passed away October 2, 2026.

A native of Bakersville, NC, he was a son of the late Harry and Eva Ellis Phillips. Richard worked in maintenance at the Enka Plant for 45 years, then at the Biltmore Estate for 10 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and fly fishing.

Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carla Phillips; daughter, Tracey Leidheiser (Bill) of Tryon; step-son, Bobby Holcombe (Shanna) of Asheville; grandkids, Anna Hood (Jesse), Conrad Leidheiser, Will Holcombe, Alexis Wescoe, Chloe Wescoe; great-grandson, Brantley and brother, Dennis Phillips (Sarah).

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12:00 until 1:00 PM.

Services

The Family Will Greet Friends: October 6, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2026-10-06 12:00:00 2026-10-06 01:00:00 RichardPhillipsThe Family Will Greet Friends The Family Will Greet Friends 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

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Funeral Service: October 6, 2026 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2026-10-06 13:00:00 2026-10-06 13:00:00 RichardPhillipsFuneral Service Funeral Service 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

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Burial: October 6, 2026 12:00 am

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1498 Sand Hill Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828)667-8715

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2026-10-06 00:00:00 2026-10-06 00:00:00 RichardPhillipsBurial Burial 1498 Sand Hill Road,Candler, NC 28715

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  1. Remembering Richard as a Canton High School classmate of my late brother, Jim Ab. We crossed paths over the years and always spent some time catching up. He was a good man. My condolences to Carla, Dennis, and the family during this difficult time.

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  3. Carla and family: My love and sympathy to each of you at this sad time. Richard was truly one of God’s great servants and it showed every day. “Finally all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” 1 Peter 3:8. This was how I saw Richard living his life.

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  4. It was a pleasure to have worked with Richard. Richard is a great inspiration to us all to be the best man we can possibly be and lived an example in his life everyday of what a true man of God should be.

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  5. My prayers to Carla and family. May Richard’s memory live on. What a blessing it was to sit along side of these two in Sunday school. I could feel the Light through their Spirit. Such a blessing to my heart.
    With much love and prayers.
    Mary Beth Caldwell

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  6. Richard, it has been such a blessing to have known you these past few years. Your light shines everywhere you go

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