Benjamin Harrell Phillips, 67, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021. Family visitation will be on Sunday, April 11, 2-4 pm.

Benny was born July 30, 1953, in Tarboro and graduated from Tarboro High School in 1972.

He is preceded in death by his father Darrell Phillips, and sister Helen Everette.

He is survived by his son, Scott Phillips, (Crystal) of Raleigh, daughter, Bennie Carol Phillips of Wilmington. Granddaughters Jasmine, Taylor, and grandson Gavin. His mother, Betsy Squires, sisters, JoAnne Everette, and Billie Jauss (David). Multiple nieces and nephews.

Benny played and sang in bands over the years. The Knight Shift band played at many bars and events around Eastern North Carolina. He raced boats as a teenager and young adult. After moving to Harkers Island, NC, Benny obtained his Captain's license running the Oodles boat out of Harkers Island, Atlantic Beach, and Morehead. Benny then built the last Oodles by hand in a boathouse on Harkers Island with Terry Guthrie of Guthrie's Boats.