Philip Marston Averett

Philip “Phil” Marston Averett was born on November 29, 1941, in Clinton, North Carolina. He passed away on October 27, 2024, in Florence, South Carolina at 82 years of age. As he would often say, he had a long, happy, and full life.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Averett (nee Hobbs) who he met while he was at North Carolina State University, and they achieved over 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, Philip and his wife Dianne and his daughter Paige. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara-Anne and her husband Alex, Rebekah and her husband Kevin. He was proud of his great-grandchildren Xander and Lilly, and Birdie who is on the way. He was the last surviving child of his parents. He was happy to have made and kept many life-long friends and to have been supported and loved by many extended family members, of special note his niece Wendy Pleasants who provided a great deal of love, support, and care in his final years.

Phil was a proud alumni of NC State (Go Pack!) where he majored in textile engineering and upon graduation worked for DuPont Company. He was a loyal and dedicated Dupont’er for over 30 years. He and Peggy first resided in Seaford, DE, were transferred to Hockessin, DE, then transferred to Clemmons, NC where he retired from DuPont as a Marketing executive. He loved to say that Peggy was his biggest asset in his work as they were a dynamic and social couple that enjoyed many travels, events, sports, and activities, and as a part of his work in marketing. They then spent a few years post-retirement selling real estate in Sanford, NC, finally fully retiring to North Myrtle Beach, SC.

Phil will be remembered for his life of service and dedication to his Christian faith. He was a Past Master of the Hiram Lodge 21 in Seaford, DE and a 23 degree Shriner. He was a Deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and the treasurer of Grace Baptist Church in Seaford, DE. He and Peggy were founders of Hockessin Baptist Church in Hockessin, DE where he was also a Deacon, Finance Chairman, and a Sunday school teacher. For years, he provided CPR and first aid training for the American Red Cross in Wilmington, DE. Phil was a President of the Clemmons Civic Club in Clemmons, NC where he started the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser that provides scholarships for college students and continues to be held to this day. He was a Sunday School teacher and Elder of Centenary Methodist Church in Clemmons, NC. Phil built homes with Habitat for Humanity in Kentucky and helped in developing fund raising campaigns for Wounded Warrior housing. He completed several mission trips to Ukraine to assist in developing business practices. He was a President of the American Heart Association in Lee County and during his time raised over 35K for the organization. He continued in service through his later years, as the Finance Chairman for Ocean Drive Presbyterian and did so for over 10 years. He also served as an Elder, a parking lot attendant, and working in Hope’s Kitchen for OD Pres. Phil will also be remembered for his love of family, his sense of humor and large personality, his very generous nature, and his many sayings, such as “He who loves, truly shows his love”.

Services will be held at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church at 410 6th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach, SC on Friday, November 8th at 11am with a lunch reception to follow. The family will wear bright colors per Phil’s wishes and welcomes any attendees to do the same.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church to support their building of a Youth Center.