Phillip McGhee III

Phillip was born May 1, 1952 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated in 1970 from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, where he learned the trade of Autobody Collison Repair. He began his career working for the Indianapolis Police Department repairing police vehicles. Phillip perfected his trade at notable auto collision centers in the Indianapolis area, with Church Brothers being his longest place of employment and which he retired from in 2014.

In addition to a career in Autobody Repair, Phillip became interested in real estate and ventured into purchasing several rental properties. Phillip was landlord to many tenants over the years and handled all the affairs of ownership and leasing. Phillip continued his strong work ethic and also served in the National Guard for approximately six years.

Phillip married Sylvia R. Owsley and their union produced a son, Anthony and a daughter, Kimberly. Phillip participated in activities with his children including taking them to the Shadeland Roller Skating Rink on Saturdays. Roller Skating became a hobby of Phillip’s and each Saturday he would join other Dads in what was known as the “Cool Daddy Line.” The men would skate in a line around the roller rink doing, Jam Skating - coordinated turns and scissors kicks to the beat of music.

Although the marriage of Phillip and Sylvia ended in divorce, Phillip remained present in his children’s lives by attending recitals, teaching them how to play tennis or running a 5K race with his son. Some weekends, Phillip’s children would help their dad with managing the repairs of his rental properties. Phillip used that time to teach lessons of hard work and completing a job with excellence.

When not working, Phillip enjoyed social gatherings, playing pool and weightlifting. A hobby of Phillip’s that became an important part of his identity was Karate. For more than 20 years, Phillip practiced, taught, competed and excelled in the Isshin-ryu style of Karate, which focuses on speed, agility and practical self-defense. Phillip earned the highest advanced level of Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt.

Phillip will be remembered for his strong and unwavering work ethic, his dedication to health and fitness, and his overall passion for life.

Remaining to cherish Phillip’s memory are his children, Anthony McGhee (Naima), and Kimberly Ames (Jeffery); grandchildren, Lydia Ames, Asha McGhee, Gianna Ames, Camil McGhee, and Ellison Ames. He also leaves behind his sisters, Betty Brown and Juanita McGhee, his brother-in-law, Fred Livers and a host of nieces, nephews and friends that will miss him.

Phillip now joins his parents Phillip McGhee II and Martha Ray McGhee, his sister, Catherine Livers and brother Bay Ray McGhee in eternal rest.

A visitation for Phillip will be held Monday, May 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM.