Phillip Brandt King

In 1980, Phillip graduated from Oxford High School in Oxford, Mississippi. In 1984, he graduated with a degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning from the University of Mississippi.

Phillip worked various jobs throughout his lifetime, but he spent most of his career in the ATM industry. He spent time working for Wells Fargo Armored, Loomis Armored, Safe Cash Systems, First Regents Banc Services, and Paramount Management Group. His Paramount manager said Phillip was “integral in merging and managing the First Regents operation.” He also described him as “honest, determined and wildly clever.” Additionally, his colleagues commented that Phillip’s “work ethic was like none other and that he was extremely loyal, dependable and brilliant.”

Camping, hiking, fishing, and traveling were Phillip’s favorite pastimes. He spent every possible moment appreciating nature and being outdoors and once, even took a hiatus from his professional life to backpack hundreds of miles on the Appalachian Trail. He was most happy when his friends and family joined him for camping and backpacking trips. These adventures created memories that would last a lifetime and instilled in his son a mutual love for the outdoors. For many years, Phillip owned a cabin in the mountains of East Tennessee, where he kept a beautiful garden and made sure the local wildlife was well-fed.

At the end of November, Phillip planned to retire and begin life on the road with his girlfriend, Tammy Blackwell. He was looking forward to travelling the United States while working as a campground host and RV technician. Whether they were travelling to see his son play football or experiencing the great outdoors, Phillip enjoyed spending time with Tammy and was looking forward to their future together.

Phillip has been described as smart, diligent, and detailed in everything he did. He loved watching his alma mater play football, and it was always a good day when the Ole Miss Rebels won. When Phil was not spending time outdoors or cheering for the Rebels, he was watching his son play a myriad of sports; from kindergarten to college, Phillip was at every event. No one made him prouder or brought him more joy than his son.

Phillip is survived by his son, Carson (Amanda) King; mother, Jackie (Bill) Gowen; sisters, Julie (Gary) Goodwin, Tracy Skelton, Brenda (Thomas) Hill, Jayme (Jerry) Clara, and Kelly (Eddie) Kheradvar; girlfriend, Tammy Blackwell; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, Jack King; his sister, Leslie Clark; and his half-brother, Chris Hollowell.

A small, private Celebration of Life for family and close friends will take place at Montgomery Bell State Park in November. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the National Park Foundation, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Montgomery Bell State Park, or Fall Creek Falls State Park.