Buren Willis "BW" Phillips

Buren, or B.W., as he liked to be called, was born on June 22, 1932 in Lexington, NC, to Ira and Esther Phillips. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1951, and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Carole Bailey, on Nov. 1, 1953. Shortly after, the couple moved to Long Beach, California, where B.W. was stationed in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Korean War and received an honorable discharge in 1955. B.W. earned a B.A. from Catawba College in 1958, and worked for Goodyear, taking he and Betty all over North and South Carolina. He then went to work for Lucent Technologies (now Nokia), where he spent 38 years as an accounting manager in Greensboro.

After his retirement, B.W.’s giving nature led him to take on the role of caregiver for numerous family members and friends as well as working several part-time jobs that kept him busy. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, colorful personality, and generous spirit, and as a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

B.W. was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Carole Phillips; his parents, Ira and Esther Phillips; and four brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Cristi Driver, son-in-law, Michael, and granddaughter, Lily, of Greensboro. He had numerous nieces and nephews who he adored, including Ann and Walter Hoffman of Lexington.

The family expresses their sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the amazing caregivers and staff of Whitestone and Medi Home Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Greensboro at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, followed by a visitation and reception for family and friends immediately after. A graveside burial service will be held in Lexington at a date TBD.

Fond memories and online condolences may be left at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Phillips family.