Dale "Papaw" Phillips

Heaven gained a very special man on Tuesday morning, January 25, 2011. Dale "Papaw" Phillips, 87 of Etowah, died at Life Care Center of Athens.

A native of Erwin, TN and a resident of Etowah for the past 47 years, he was the son of the late Joseph and Pearl Phillips, and was preceded in death his loving wife of 63 years, Eva Mae Phillips; three brothers, Vaughn, Gus and F.P. Phillips; six sisters, Maggie Harris, Lola English, Valerie Bailey Ruby Metcalf, Kate Frye and Bernice Phillips.

"Papaw" worked on the railroad for 40 years, retiring in 1988 from CSX. He served in the Air Force during World War II and was a Christian, attending First Baptist Church of Etowah.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law; Judy and Buddy Williams; one son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Theresa Phillips; one granddaughter and spouse, Tiffany Williams and husband Roger; three grandsons and spouse, Darin Edwards and wife, Jill; Sterling Phillips and Lukas Phillips; two great-grandchildren, Dillan Edwards and Jacey Edwards and one brother, Robert Phillips of Erwin, TN.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Etowah, TN. Funeral service to follow the visitation at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary with the Dr. Carlos Peterson and Pastor Lee Fox officiating. Family and friends will assemble at McMinn Memory Gardens at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2011 for the committal service. Pallbearers will be Buddy Williams, Darin Edwards, Roger Williams, Sterling Phillips, Lukas Phillips and Dillan Edwards.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions to be made to First Baptist Church, Etowah.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements.