Coach Charles Franklin Phillips, 84, of Mars Hill, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024. He was the son of the late Avery and Millie West Phillips. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Layman Phillips; his grandson, Colby Murphy; and brother, Don Phillips.

Charlie graduated from Furman University, where he ran track. He was a professor of Physical Education, where he served as Department Chair, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Foundations, for Mars Hill College for over 44 years. In the early years at Mars Hill College, he coached wrestling, track, and gymnastics. Charlie ended his coaching career, after over 25 years, as the Mars Hill College head baseball coach. He started the Outdoor Club at the college, wrote the grant for Upward Bound, where he influenced students, faculty, and friends. Charlie enjoyed tending to his tomato plants and flower gardens. He loved spending time with his family and preparing meals for them. Every night he would call his granddaughter Katie, to wish her a "good night".

Coach Charlie is survived by his daughter, Tina Murphy (Mike), of Mars Hill; son, Tony Phillips (Gwyn) of Weaverville; his lady friend, Linda Briggs of Marshall; grandchildren, Teghan Murphy (Jack Brazil), Kristyn Edmonds (Harrison); Katie Phillips; great grandson, Archer Edmonds; granddaughter-in-law, Loriel Murphy; and special nephew, Barry Phillips.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverend Jeff Atkins will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2pm Saturday at the funeral home.

The family will have a private burial at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org