Benjamin "Benny" Franklin Phillips, 79, of Roanoke Rapids, died September 21, 2022 at ECU North Hospital.

Benny was born February 23, 1943 in South Boston, VA, the son of Gilbert Phillips and Truly Thomas Phillips.

Benny was employed by Heilig Meyers Furniture Store in South Boston, VA, and was the manager of Heilig Meyers Furniture Store in Weldon, NC for 15 years.  

After leaving the furniture retail business he purchased Tranham's Store in Cluster Springs, VA, where he was very active in the community, being a member of the Tinker's Car Club, and managing the Cluster Springs Baseball Team.

On May 27, 2012 he made a public declaration of his dedication to Jehovah by water baptism at the Assembly Hall in Richmond, VA.  His faith and the hope of his resurrection is what sustained him in his illnesses.  He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 589 NC-48, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Benny leaves to cherish his many memories, his wife of 59 years, Joyce Snead Phillips of Roanoke Rapids; one son, Anthony Scott Phillips and wife Amy, of Wake Forest; one daughter, Teresa Phillips Pike and husband Michael Pike, of Darlington; three grandsons, Bradley Michael Pike, Justin Pike and Cameron Phillips; one granddaughter, Meagan Pike; a great-granddaughter, Hazel Pike; and one sister, Elsie Comer of South Boston, VA.  In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by three brothers, Millard Phillips, Sammy Phillips and Gary Phillips.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 1:45 pm Saturday at the Kingdom Hall.   The memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall, with Brother Jeff Haislip, Brother Robert Edmonds and Brother Philip Lewis presiding.

The online guest register may be signed at www.hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.