Phillip William Smith

Phil was born on December 29, 1945, in Evansville IN to the late Sylvia and Charles W. Smith, and had two siblings, Phillappa (deceased) and John. Phil led an interesting and often exciting life that began with his first job at just 7 years old selling donuts door to door. He then worked at the Speedrome Racetrack, an egg farm in Newburgh before he became a lifeguard and swimming instructor at Pfafflin Lake in Newburgh at 12. He graduated from Castle High School in 1964 and attended Purdue and Evansville Universities, and still continued lifeguarding.

Phil was hired at ALCOA, then was drafted into the Army. He went to Jump School with the 101st Airborne and served as a Paramedic in the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions, attaining the rank of Sargent E-5 and Captain of the Division Rifle Team, among many other positions before his Honorable Discharge and returning to his previous job at ALCOA.

Phil took a gamble and opened the first Radio Shack in Newburgh and started his own business in 1969: Custom Cycle. The business evolved over time into Custom Cycle and Mobility Supply, and after over 53 years of continuous business, closed in late 2022. Phil’s love of motorcycling led him to organize many fund raisers over the years in the Evansville area benefitting the Visiting Nurse Association, and others. Phil also started the “Little Sturgis Rally for Charity” in Sturgis KY that benefited Sturgis area charities and civic organizations.

With still more to give and learn, Phil began his Masonic life in 1980 when he joined his father’s lodge, Constellation 748, where he was raised as a Master Mason by his father Charles. Phil became Master of the Constellation Lodge in 1999 and raised his own son Michael as a Master Mason, who then raised his son Gator as a Master Mason – making Gator a fourth generation Mason and Shriner.

Phil became a member of Hadi Temple in 1981, where he was very active in various Shrine groups and causes, and created some of his own, like the long-running Kids’ Easter Party. He was a Noble and Past President of the Hadi Motor Corps, where he started the Hadi Shriners Toy Run to benefit the Shrine Children’s Hospitals, and started the Sportsman’s Gun Raffle. Phil became Potentate of Hadi Temple in 2012.

Phil was a member of the Valley of Evansville Scottish Rite, the Evansville York Rite, Lavalette Commandery Knights Templar, Evansville Chapter #12, Simpson Council #23, No-Ruz Grotto, Sword of Bunker Hill, International Assoc. Of Shrine Yacht Clubs, Past Director of The Royal Order of Jesters Court #102, Liaison for The Jesters on Wheels, Past Mogul of the 34th Select Group, Past President of the Hadi Cabiri #60, member of the Hadi Hospital Staff, Evansville Past Masters Club, The Hadi Oriental Band, the Hadi Legion of Honor, Hadi Car Club, the Kachina Billikan Klub, and had been the Host and Liaison to the Hadi Honored Ladies for over 15 years. Phil was also a member of Rizpah Shrine in Kentucky, and an Honorary Life Member of 15 Shrine Temples.

Phil’s community involvement wasn’t limited to his Masonic life. He was also a member of the Newburgh American Legion Post, Owls, Eagles, and was a lifetime member of the American Motorcyclist Association and received the honor of Kentucky Colonel.

Phil’s most important and longest lasting legacy is his family. His labors of love are treasured and will never be forgotten.

Phil was preceded in death by parents, Sylvia and Charles Smith and his sister, Phillappa Morris, and all those who died before him. He is survived by his wife and supporter of many years, Charlotta Jean (Wright) Smith; his children, Mike Smith (Debbie), Tamara Durham (Ian), and Michale Stevens (Matt); brother, John Smith (Chris); Grand kids, Gator, Mercede, Zack, and Ethan; 3 great grand kids, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at Alexander Newburgh Chapel beginning at noon, with Shrine and Masonic services beginning at 6:00p.m. A Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023, officiated by Chaplain Phil Crofford, with Military Rites performed by Kapperman Post 44. Family and friends may visit Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hadi Shrine Hospital Staff, #6 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47701. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.