Birth date: Dec 5, 1930 Death date: Nov 14, 2020
Lawrence “Larry” Everette Phillips, known as Uncle Larry to so many, 89, of Huntersville died November 14, 2020 at his home. He was born on December 5, 1930 in Boone, NC to the late Rondah Burrell Phillips and Edna Blanche Lewis P Read Obituary
I also have great memories of Mr Phillips and his outstanding influence on me. Mr Phillips began a musical model for me in the 6th grade and all the way through high school. Band was the highlight of my day - my best memories of high school. We were truly a Band Family because of him! I went on to major in music and taught high school music. He was an sweet, patient, understanding man who influenced all of us in a positive way.
My prayers go out to the entire family. May you be blessed with many warm memories as you go through the days and weeks ahead.
Let’s start with I could never call him, “Larry”. He will always be “Mr. Phillips” to me, nothing less.
I have a story that only Mr. Phillips could fully appreciate. I spent my 9th grade summer working through Haskell Harr’s, Drum Method, Book 2. I show up at the first marching band rehearsal as a 10th grader, I am given a silver sparkle 15” Slingerland marching snare, I move to near the corner of the band room and sit in the last chair of the section away from the other snare drummers. The first piece is handed out and I place it on the stand. I look at the piece and think, “OK, this is like the music I’ve been playing this summer, I can do this.” The piece starts with a full band fortissimo opening followed by a written drum cadence. I just play what I see written on the page (full disclosure, I chose to ignore the accents.) Then I realize two things, first, as I play, fewer and fewer drummers are playing, the other drummers are dropping out. It’s just me playing what‘s written and second, after playing to the end of the 8 bar cadence, I stop, look left down the section and see all percussion eyes on me. I then look around the band room and see all of the upperclassmen looking at a small 10th grader sitting near the corner. My eyes frantically search the room for a friend, a familiar face. I spy Ellen down in the first row, holding her clarinet, she has big grin on her face that I interpreted as, “I’m proud of you, you did good!” Then I look at Mr. Phillips. He too is grinning. He looks at me says in his always-supportive voice, “Please play the accents next time.” I smile and realize that I had been accepted. This was a very proud moment for me as Mr. Phillips and I began our musical performance journey together. At 63, I still do what I did at North Meck. I perform music.
Thank you Mr. Phillips.
Wayne Osborne
Percussionist
Class of 1975
I’ll always remember Mr. Phillips as a kind man and wonderful band leader. As I reflect on sitting under his leadership as a member of the Blue Notes at North Meck, I remember some of the songs the band played such as “ Moonlight Serenade”, “ A String of Pearls” “ In the Mood” and “Touchdown”, just to name a few. Wow!.....Brings back so many fond memories! He was by far my favorite teacher! May the Lord continue to Bless and strengthen his family.
Darrin Johnson
North Meck / Class of 1983
I had Larry for six years (Alexander and North). These were the most influential years of my life. I was so blessed to have known him. He truly was a second father to me. I can still smell his cup of coffee while we had the best conversations. To the family, know you are in my prayers. What an honor and a privilege to have called this wonderful man my friend.
My prayers for comfort for your family as I fondly remember the amazing work he did with Harp’s choir. I always got a hug whenever I visited my home church in Huntersville. He’s now directing the biggest choir of all!❤️
