Roger Avery Phillips, 65, of Bear Creek, North Carolina, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at his home, with those he loved most by his side, passed away peacefully.

Roger was born on August 10, 1961, in Chatham County, North Carolina, to the late Palmer Phillips and Mary “Lois” Woody Phillips.

He retired from NVT Technologies, Inc. as a millwright.

On July 9, 1983, Roger married the love of his life, Tammy Andrews Phillips. Together, they shared more than 43 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories.

He knew how to enjoy life. He loved his new Jeep Wrangler, motorcycles, football, fishing, traveling to the mountains, and visiting Tweetsie Railroad. He looked forward to attending the NASCAR races in Bristol, TN, which he and Tammy had enjoyed for the past eight years. His favorite driver was Chase Elliott.

One of his unique passions was finding old cemeteries and gravesites. He would gladly drive for hours with the boys searching for another cemetery to explore. The boys would often tease him that they had driven two hours just to find “a mound of dirt,” but Roger saw the history and stories behind every place they visited.

He was a devoted Papa who treasured every moment with his grandchildren. He loved playing games with them, especially Cassino, picking on his grandchildren, and simply being part of their lives. He had a special bond with all his grandchildren, and their “Papa time” was something he cherished. One of their favorite activities was counting the coins in his coin jar.

At Christmas, Papa always received a makeover—painted nails included—and often a new, colorful hairstyle. Roger embraced these moments with laughter and love. He called his granddaughters every night, a tradition that meant so much to him and will forever be treasured by them.

He enjoyed making pancakes and banana pudding for his family. He shared many laughs with the grandchildren, including their attempts to drink buttermilk with their Papa. These simple, everyday moments became some of the family's most precious memories.

He also adored his two boxers, Reise and Kaine. The family often joked that the two of them “only had one brain cell,” but they were loved members of the family and brought Roger countless smiles.

Simply put, he loved and adored his family with everything in him. Whether they were traveling, playing games, riding 4-wheelers, eating together, or simply sitting around talking, family time was always special to him.

Roger’s faith was an important part of his life. His faith was his testimony. It was evident not only in his words, but in the way he lived his life and treated others. His kindness, love, humor, generosity, and joyful spirit will remain a lasting part of the lives of everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela “Lucy” Hendricks, and his brother, James “Mike” Phillips.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of more than 43 years, Tammy Andrews Phillips of the home; his sons, Roger “Wayne” Phillips and wife, Tina, and Brian Phillips and wife, Amy; six grandchildren, Ashlyn Kight, Courtney Phillips, Natalie Phillips, Parker Phillips, Wyatt Phillips, and Jacob Phillips; his very recent great-granddaughter, Raelyn Kight; and his brother, Steven “Doug” Phillips.

He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Hickory Mountain Chapel in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Bill Hart officiating.

A precious one from us is gone; a voice we loved is still. A place vacant in our home that can never be filled.”

His place at the family table, his phone calls, his teasing, his laughter, and his presence will be deeply missed. Although his earthly journey has come to an end, there will be no more suffering or pain; the love and memories he gave his family will live on forever.

Please share a memory or condolence for the family in Roger’s guest book below.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home of Siler City, North Carolina, is honored to serve the family of Roger Avery Phillips.