Chester Lee Phillips Jr.

Best known as “Poke” to his friends and family and “Papa” to his grandchildren. Poke graduated from Saint Joseph’s School and Knoxville Catholic High School. He attended the University of Tennessee, pursuing a major in Music.

The Quonset Hut (a family owned bar) was a central part of Poke’s early life. As he would recall “My grandfather started the Hut, my dad ran the Hut, and I ran it into the ground.” Poke then worked for Kebec Industries and Southern Athletic as the cutting room manger and was on the design teams for many pieces of clothing apparel.

Poke then moved onto his Horticulturist career; caring and tending for the plant and plant displays at many Atlanta malls and hotels. Poke became project manager for key accounts including Opryland Hotel and Mall of America. He was recognized with multiple awards for his work including an Environmental Improvement Grand Award for the Opryland Hotel project; The 1988 FNGA Landscape Award of Excellence for the Lenox Embassy Suites Hotel project; and the Environmental Improvement Award of Merit for The English Gard – Birmingham Festival of Arts and Lenox Square Renovation and Expansion.

Poke was an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan; rooting for all sports but specifically Vols football. He was an avid reader, loved word puzzles, and was a sucker for a cheesy Romantic Comedy. From an early age, Poke enjoyed reading and collecting Comic Books. He had an appreciation for all music genres. He loved attending concerts and enjoyed introducing these experiences to his children and grandchildren.

Poke could often be found with his family and friends on the lake. Many great moments were spent on Norris Lake. You could find Poke captaining the family’s pontoon boat, relaxing while listening to music on the boat, or floating in the water. Poke would lovingly admire his family enjoying the water and watching his son and brother knee board and slalom ski.

Preceded in death by his parents, Chester Lee Phillips, Sr., and Ruth (Cain) Phillips of Knoxville. Brother, John Phillips.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Renee` Phillips; son, Trenton Phillips and his wife Jenna and their two daughters, Riley and Savannah Phillips; daughter, Stacy Phillips and her two

children, Mason and Maddy Phillips; brother, Chris Phillips and wife Debbie; sister-in-law, Jodie Phillips, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Weaver Funeral Home, Tuesday from 5-7 pm.

Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.