When someone passes away, people talk about how great they were, but Phil truly was an amazing man and a rare breed.  He never met a stranger and was always quick with a compliment. I worked with Phil on various projects and never once saw him utter an unkind word or be in a bad mood.  This loss really hurt. And I speak for a lot of people when I say that. To say he will be missed would be an understatement.  I’m a better person for having met Phil. And he will never be forgotten. 

I was so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I have many wonderful memories of him as my neighbor and childhood friend growing up. I remember him as Phillip. We played together all the time, climbing trees, building forts, and playing "kick the can".  He always ate sunflower seeds, which he kept in his pockets ...and he always asked if I wanted some.  Our families used to go on Easter picnics together up Mt. Graham or at "the wash".  Where did all the years go? My sympathy to Barbara, Lyndel, Kelly, Darrin, McKay, and Kresten. I think of you all with fond memories. I am sure Phil will be greatly missed. Additionally, my prayers and sympathy also go to his wife and children.  I have a strong testimony of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. How especially grateful we are for His gift of resurrection to each of us. 
Much love,
Deanna Curtis Cooley

We have such fond memories of our time together in Bowling Green raising our young children, with Phil as our bishop also.  So sorry for your loss. We love your family. 

I have only known Phil for a brief period of time. I recently had the opportunity to work with him. I was immediately and continued to be impressed with Phil's commitment to his job, his intelligence but the outstanding characteristic was the passionate respect that showed each person both in his words and actions. In reading other posts it's clear that this is who Phil was in the world. 

My prayers and warm thoughts go out to the family. Rest in the knowledge you will see him again. May God's blessings uphold you as you struggle to deal with your loss.

Such fond memories of Phil and the McGrath family.  So blessed to have known Phil and to be included in his circle of friends at EAC. Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of the family!!

Our sincere condolences to Phil's family and loved ones. I had some great experiences rubbing shoulders with Phil back in the mid 80's at EAC.  He was a great example.  I pray you'll all feel the comfort the truths of the restored gospel bring!

Phil was such a positive presence on our Leadership Development Team. We will miss him so much. I feel privileged to work with him. He left a mark on us as a great example of a true leader.

       Brother McGrath served faithfully as an ordinance worker with us in the Atlanta Georgia Temple. We remember him as a kind, considerate presence,  and an excellent example to his fellow workers and to the patrons.  
       We extend our sympathy to his loving family.  He left them a wonderful heritage as a follower of Jesus Christ. As we grieve may we all know  that the "sting of death is soothed by a steadfast faith in Christ, a perfect brightness of hope."  (President Russell M. Nelson)

David and Sarah Ingram


Phil always showed compassion and respect for others. He was a very kind individual with a great sense of humor. I feel honored to have known him.

My prayers and thoughts go out to Phil's family and all those who knew him. He was such a friendly, funny and positive person. I enjoyed working with him and won't forget his kind spirit and willingness to help others.  May his memory live on.

My heart broke when I heard of Phil’s passing. He was such an amazing person. His caring, positive and inspiring  personality was a blessing to all that came in contact with him. Praying for each of his family and all who knew and loved him. 

May the McGrath family find peace in the loss of a beloved family member.  Sorry to hear the sad news.  Tony Larson 

Suzie,

Melinda and I are saddened to hear of Phil's passing. Please accept our condolences.

Delbert Reidhead

Uncle Phil was larger than life --tall, confident, and cheerful. He was a devoted dad and grandpa and a good uncle. He influenced my life considerably by recommending the bicycle I rode daily for nearly nine months on my mission. I also remember being impressed by a frozen javelina head he left in Grandma McGrath's chest freezer after a hunting trip when I was a little kid. I'm going to miss him! I'm so grateful that I will get to see him again someday! We love you McGrath's! We are praying for you and sending love!

Phil was an amazing man and I was lucky to have the opportunity to know him. His positive attitude, compassion, caring, and genuineness of character were always uplifting and encouraging. 

My heart and prayers go out to his family during this time of grieving. 

I first met Phil in Jr High when I went to Phil’s house with one of his cousins to play basketball in the back yard! Discovered later that my parents had been friends with his parents at EAC! We both competed in basketball from opposing teams! Phil was definitely a competitor but still your friend when the dust settled! When I came back from my mission, Phil & Suzy we’re already married & Phil had been chosen as a student 2nd Councilor in the College Ward Bishopric where he served admirably! He & Suzy were great for each other! I’ve always looked up to Phil for many good reasons as those who know him can attest!

I have many fond memories of Phillip.  But, most of all I remember living in the Mark Allen Dorms at EAC in Thatcher, AZ.  Phil and Suzie were dorm parents there and I always had a safe place to get away from the crazy of dorm life.  

  I'm am very saddened at the news of the passing of Philip McGrath. My heart  goes out to his Mother, to his wonderful wife Suzy, his children and his siblings. I am Phil's first cousin, Roger McGrath. Our uncle Larry posted here  that our grandparents, Vernon and Vessa McGrath were special and amazing people, I'm here to tell you that is absolutely true. They had built and almost ideal family life and their children, all five of them, not only loved one another but genuinely the liked each. In all my life I never heard anyone of those siblings have not a single cross word or any kind of discontent between anyone of them. 
   As their family grew Phillip was one of the original four Grandsons. For those of us to follow they were the big boys, the  ones to watch, the ones we looked up to. We had wonderful annual reunions where we would usually  go to some exciting place and hang out. We had skits, and sports, and themes and good food and good times. It was always a love fest and a lot of fun. We took lots of pictures and had all of the obligatory shots, Aunts only,  Uncles only, Grandkids etc. I always liked the Grandsons photo the best, it made me feel special. They lined us up tallest to shortest which gave us younger boys hope of moving up in the lineup, someday. I instinctively knew after one particular photo that these guys were my tribe, my people, my piers. I also knew that if anyone of them was absent that it would be a loss. Over the years as we all matured, sought to build careers and became husbands and fathers there were photos one man or another didn't appear in. From now on there will always be a missing man in our future photos, Philip is the first to be called home. 
   I'm glad to have known Phillip and always found him to be a warm hearted, and kind person. This photo I captured today  from a slide with my I Phone. It was processed in the fall of 1974. L to R, Darin, Phillip, Scott, Derek, McKay, Roger(myself) and Kristen. 
  
   
   

Can’t find words to describe how luck I am to have met, spent and shared almost a year leaving with Phil and his family. 
My dearest friend Phil, you are such a great man and will always be on my thoughts and prayers, be sure that you have accomplished a great mission by building this wonderful and beautiful family! 


Larry D. Rapier
August 27, 2021
I enter my memories of Phillip from a different level and will approach memories differently.  As an uncle I have watched Phil grow from a baby to young adult.  I have great memories of our family’s activities together, camping, picnics, trips, etc. He always met the expectation of his parents, those around him and of his Father in Heaven.  When I read the tributes to him, the thought came to me that he is a product of learning from those special people who came before him.  Then he has added to it to become the man he was and the legacy he left.   It started with his Great Grandfather, James Franklin McGrath and wife Laura.  Then his Grand Parents James Vernon and Vessa McGrath (My Father and Mother in laws).  They were two of the greatest people I’ve known and were respected and loved by all.  They Raised 5 great children.  Wayne Millburn and Barbara McGrath followed the teaching of their parents, became respected and loved by the communities they lived in.  They raised 6 great children.  
When Phillip returned from his mission, he again followed the example of his father and grandfather.  He attended Eastern Arizona College and played college basketball at EAC.  And as they had, he soon found a special young lady, Susan Kern at EAC.   She stood out above them all and she consented to marry him.   Phil and Susie have continued the legacy.  Respected and loved by all who know them.  They have raised 5 great children who are following the steps taught them.  I am proud to be able to call him Nephew.  
I have no doubt, because of how he used this life to prepare to meet his Father In Heaven, that he will be given great responsibilities to fill his time as he waits for Susie to join him.    


I served under Phil as one of his counselors while he served as bishop in Searcy, Arkansas.  What a special blessing to serve with this great man; "Do good, get good." was his special saying, and I'll never forget it.  I once asked him why he chose me to be his counselor; "I didn't choose you, the Lord did!" he corrected me.  He always made me feel special, and always considered me a friend, and a great friend he was to me.

I'm so grateful I was able to get to know each of you. Brother McGrath always had a strong smile and laughter to bring, and I'm grateful for that. My prayers go out to the whole family during this hard time.

I remember the first night I met Phil when Logan and I started dating. He was so genuinely sweet and friendly, and I could tell he truly cared about me already. He welcomed me right into the family, and it was seamless. Phil is a perfect example of persistence, dedication, hard work, unshakable faith, and perfect love for his family. I am forever grateful that my husband has such an incredible father to look up to. I can tell he has learned so many wonderful things from him. Logan thinks the world of his dad, and that is a true testament of Phil's incredible character. 

Something I always noticed was how much Phil loved and did anything for his wife Susie. He is such a good example of expressing true love for your spouse. He always wanted to sit by her, hold her hand, and hang out with her. What an amazing impact that example has on others! Phil was also such a goof, and I loved that. He showed such a great balance of working hard but also having fun. 

Phil showed such strong support for me as I started shifting to leadership roles in my career and going to graduate school. He was so excited about these opportunities, and he was sincerely invested in my progress. He was elated when we told him about our first baby on the way. Phil was the perfect grandpa. It saddens me that my son won't get to hang out with Phil on Earth, but I have no doubt that they are getting to know each other in Heaven.

He sacrificed so much for his family. He was there for everyone, always! He and Susie show an incredibly strong dedication to the Lord that has always stood out to me, and I am forever grateful for those examples our family has to learn from.

Thank you for everything Dad, I love you! 

Bishop Mc Grath is a most remarkable man.  When Jack and I had several huge decisions to make after moving to Arkansas in our elderly age, he would sit us down on the couch and sit between us alone at the chapel, put his arms over the back of the couch on each side and start his counsel with us with...."Well, if I was your son, Dad and Mom, I would probably tell you....." and we could feel his wisdom and love as it surrounded us.  He was one of the most godly men we knew.  Prayers to his family and God carry you.

Phil was a great inspiration to me. I have at least a hundred great stories from just the short time I got to know him and be around him and I’ll cherish those memories forever. Words can’t describe how my heart hurts, especially for his family. I know he will be missed greatly. Rest In Peace brother……Until we meet again!

I knew Bishop McGrath and his family is Searcy AR. He was one of the most enthusiastic and motivational people I’ve ever met. I knew him through church, and when he heard that I was struggling on my Jr High basketball team, he would meet us at the church gym every morning before school for months to shoot and try to help me any way he could. He was a great example of a father, husband and a Christ-like man. I will miss him and I will be praying for the family.

I was married to a member but I was not one yet. We were not able to attend services until we returned to the Searcy area after living in the delta region for a couple of years. Nicole wanted to go back to services in Searcy and when we did, Bishop McGrath was presiding. After service I shook his hand and the spirit was so present in that moment that it was the final domino in descision to officially join the church and be baptized in 2013. He is a great spirit and will be missed here on Earth. May heavenly father bless his family and console them in this time of physical loss.

Dad is the greatest man I will ever know. I’m so grateful for the time I was able to have with him here on Earth. He was an outstanding example to me in life, as a father to me and my siblings, as a husband to my mom, and as a priesthood holder in the Church. I remember sitting on his bed with him when I was young, as he took time to explain the Gospel and the world to my young understanding. I hope to be half of the man he was on Earth and to see him again in the next life. Love ya, pops. I’ll miss you.  

Sending my heartfelt sympathies to the McGrath family. While I did not have the privilege of working closely with Phil, I did look forward to seeing his re-assuring kind smile and to hear a quick pep talk at the gym early in the mornings. I will forever see his smile on the elliptical machine. He will be missed by so many of his work family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bishop McGrath, was soo wonderful to us missionaries! He was so great to help us and let us call home from the bike shop! Always answered our calls and questions! Made me feel less afraid over the phone before I came out on my mission to Arkansas! Wow, I just am soo grateful for him and his family for their kindness! Many prayers and wonderful memories sent your way!  

Dear Susie and all❣️

Sooo glad we had our short time together in Searcy, AR with you and Phil and your beautiful family❣️❣️❣️
 Love, prayers,  and blessings of peace and courage to you and all your now extended families… ☺️😇❤️

John K and Mary J (Sherwood) Berkheimer…Kansas/USA
❤️💛💙🌻🌹

My most heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family. I had the great pleasure to work one-on-one with Phil on a few projects at McKee Foods, and it was always a pleasure. Quick with a smile and ever ready for a chat in the hallway — Phil will be very much missed by his colleagues. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James "Phil" Phillip McGrath

24 décembre 1962 – 24 août 2021

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Franklin-Strickland Chapel

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