Melvin Van Buren Phillips

Raleigh-Melvin Van Buren Phillips, 63, passed away peacefully in his home on June 9, 2014 following a long battle with heart related problems. Known as Van, he was born on March 17, 1951 and was a true Raleighite. Vans wife was the love of his life; and their son brought the joy of living to them. Van was a devoted husband, beloved father, son, brother and grandfather; and also adopted many family pets. Van had a strong Christian belief and devotion which molded his character. He tried to walk humbly with the Lord daily which he demonstrated in his tough last years. Van Phillips retired from Progress Energy in 1996 as an engineering technician; and previously worked with Bobbitt International as a project manager; and lastly, worked with Altec Industries as a prototype design engineer technician. Van loved the churches where as a member served as a deacon, church treasurer, co-youth director, plus participated on numerous committees, Sunday School Classes and was given Deacon Emeritus from Tabernacle Baptist Church his current church. A few of his church activities included leading church groups camping, whitewater rafting and other fun times, and a number of World Changers projects. Known to his friends as Van the Man, he liked volunteering with the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Department in clean up after storms and building picnic shelters and tables; and he served to design the trails and boardwalk for Lake Lynn through the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department. In his earlier years he was a Boy Scout leader; and played Santa Claus for the School for the Blind and other civic groups such as fire stations, parades, church groups and skating parties at Skate Town. He loved people and he really enjoyed fishing. Van enjoyed eating out especially during his last 5 years. The family gratefully thanks Pam Medlin and staff of Pams Farmhouse Restaurant; Mike and Maria House of Casa Carbone; and Gillian Lineman of Winstons Grille who showed him so many kindnesses and fed him during his illnesses. The family wishes to especially thank all the doctors, staff, and nurses on the Duke Heart Transplant team who showed so much dedication, care, and sustained his life an additional 4 ½ years. The family wishes to thank the Transitions Services of Wake County, formerly Wake County Hospice, which was a true blessing to the family. Van Phillips leaves his wife, Betsy, of 37 years of marriage; their son Josh Phillips, wife Emily and grandson Caleb; sister, Martha Whitehead, husband Steve; brother, Steve Phillips, wife Debbie and nephews Adam and Michael; and Aunt Ginger Newton; and the family pet, April Doodlebug. Funeral arrangements are at Tabernacle Baptist Church with visitation on Wednesday night in The Gathering Place from 7 to 9 PM; and a celebration of life service in the Sanctuary on Thursday at 11 AM. Following the service, everyone is invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall. A private family interment will be at Raleigh Memorial Gardens following the luncheon. Anyone wishing to remember Van may make donations to Tabernacle Baptist Church, Gardens and Memorials, 8304 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604