Celebrating the life of
Phillip H. Hunter
May 28, 1930 - August 15, 2016
Loving and Devoted Husband, Father, and Friend
Savannah _ Phillip Harris Hunter, Sr., 86, passed away August 15, 2016 after a short illness. He was born May 28, 1930 in Waycross, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Harry and Grace Summerall Hunter, and his sisters, Jean Carroll, and Lillian Lindsay.
Phil graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong Junior College. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. After returning home, Phil was employed by Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company as a salesman. Phil was the Vice President of Government Sales at his retirement after 38 years of service.
In 1973, prior to his retirement, he and his wife, Bette, became entrepreneurs opening a business, Ye Ole Tobacco Shop, on the Savannah waterfront. They were pioneers to this area before the development of today’s River Street. Later, they added Verdery’s House of Lamps and Shades to their corporation. Along with their family and valuable employees, this enterprise has been a Savannah fixture for the past 43 years.
Phil is best remembered for his lively spirit and “life” stories. He loved his family, friends, dancing, and music. Not a day went by that he did not make a new friend and he continued to work passed his 86th birthday. Phil and fellow business men met at Larry’s Restaurant most every morning for breakfast and coffee sharing sales strategies and solving world problems. He traveled the world but he treasured his time on Isle of Hope and Tybee Island with family and friends.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Bette Graham Hunter, his son, Phillip, Jr. (Cynthia), his daughter, Kim Johnson (Stephen), sister-in law, Joan Hester Byrd, Grandchildren, Dr. Russell Kirks, Eric (Randi) Johnson, William (Emily) Hunter, Benjamin Hunter, and Shelby Hunter, and special “son,” Ed Cope, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren of whom he was very proud.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 19th at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 20th at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 1008 Henry Street, corner of Waters Ave. and Henry St., A reception lunch will follow in the social hall. Interment will be at 3:00 pm in Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 1008 Henry Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time (2Cor1:3,4) Jehovah's Witnesses -Pooler,Ga
- , ,
The last of Savannah's great characters and the greatest salesman I ever saw. No one who knew him will ever forget him.
- murray silver, savannah, ga
May the God of all comfort be with you and your famIly during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)
- , ,
Our love and sympathy to the entire Hunter Family. Phil was one of the nicest, funniest and most genuine men I've ever known. I will have to also add, a real character! It was a pleasure to know him and call him a friend as well as everyone in the Hunter Family. He will be missed. Love to all, Beth and Al Morris
- Beth and Al Morris, Pendleton, SC
We are deeply saddened by Phil's passing. We will all miss his stories, jokes, and smiles. Our sympathy to Phil's family and friends.
- Dave & Merana Cadorette, Vero Beach, FL
May Jehovah give your family the needed strength to cope with the loss of your loved one. Isaiah 65:17
- Kelly, Pooler , Ga
Bette & Family, my heart goes out to you and all your Family. Phil was a wonderful friend to Raiford & our Family. Just take one day at a time and God will get you through My prayers goes out to all of you. Love Patty Cowart
- , ,
What a joy to have known Phil at Liggett & Myers! I worked for him when he was VP of Government Sales. He kept us entertained daily. No one could tell stories like Phil. Along with two other Liggett friends, we had the opportunity to drop by the tobacco shop the last time we were in Savannah. He was always so gracious and sweet to his "Liggett girls". My life is much richer for knowing Phil Hunter. May God bless your family.
- Diane Poole, Bahama, NC
Received the news this morning about Mr. Phil's passing away. My thoughts immediately raced back to the old neighborhood where my family & Mr. Phil's family enjoyed many outdoor get-togethers. Mr. Phil's personality was such that he never walked back to his house without leaving us with tears streaming from our eyes from laughter or big smiles on our faces. It goes without saying ... he truly will be missed by many who had the opportunity & pleasure to know Mr. Phil. I pray for eternal peace for this wonderful man. My condolences to Mrs. Bette & family.
- Patsi Higgs Smith , Savannah , GA
Phil, you and your family are so special to us and we will miss you so much! Greg and I are so thankful to have many wonderful visits with you to remember and lots of laughs along with all those entertaining stories that you shared with us! We will miss your smile and expressions as you told those stories. We're so thankful that you worked with my sister all those years at Liggett and were such a dear friend and mentor to her. We're also thankful that she invited us to tag along on visits so that we became part of your "NC family" too. Thanks for all the love, warmth and hospitality through the years. The thought of you singing some songs and dancing the jig with Lillian and other family members on those streets of gold makes me smile :) Sending thoughts, prayers, hugs and love to the family.
- Kim and Greg Brock, Morrisville, NC
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you over the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather - who loved his family, his church, and his Lord. He was a friend to many of us and we shall miss him so much. May God bless you through this difficult time.
- Mary Alice Garvin, Savannah, GA.
I was so saddened to hear the news about Phil. I had the pleasure of working with Phil for a number of years. On my very first day of work I was staying at a local hotel. I went down that morning for breakfast and a friendly, jolly fellow was sitting at a table close by. He started up a conversation with me that morning. He found out I was going to work for Liggett and I found out he worked there as well for many years. In typical Phil fashion he made me laugh and I found a new friend that very first day. I miss him and we are all so fortunate to have had him in our lives. Love you always Phil Hunter!
- Rick Haynes, Kure Beach, NC
Cindy and I send our sympathies to your family. I will forever cherish his trips to San Diego helping me understand how to deal with the Military. Mr.Hunter will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Rick and Cindy Boster, San Diego, Ca
Sending our sympathy and love to the entire Hunter family. We will miss our dear friend so much. He had a passion for God, family and life that was contagious, and always put a smile everyone's face. He will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are so grateful for the many special times we've shared with Phil and the family & will always cherish those memories.
- Wallace and Debbie Harris, Rougemont, NC
My condolences to the Hunter Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death] May fond memories of Pjillip linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time (2Cor1:3,4) Jehovah's Witnesses -Pooler,Ga
- , ,
The last of Savannah's great characters and the greatest salesman I ever saw. No one who knew him will ever forget him.
- murray silver, savannah, ga
May the God of all comfort be with you and your famIly during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)
- , ,
Our love and sympathy to the entire Hunter Family. Phil was one of the nicest, funniest and most genuine men I've ever known. I will have to also add, a real character! It was a pleasure to know him and call him a friend as well as everyone in the Hunter Family. He will be missed. Love to all, Beth and Al Morris
- Beth and Al Morris, Pendleton, SC
We are deeply saddened by Phil's passing. We will all miss his stories, jokes, and smiles. Our sympathy to Phil's family and friends.
- Dave & Merana Cadorette, Vero Beach, FL
May Jehovah give your family the needed strength to cope with the loss of your loved one. Isaiah 65:17
- Kelly, Pooler , Ga
Bette & Family, my heart goes out to you and all your Family. Phil was a wonderful friend to Raiford & our Family. Just take one day at a time and God will get you through My prayers goes out to all of you. Love Patty Cowart
- , ,
What a joy to have known Phil at Liggett & Myers! I worked for him when he was VP of Government Sales. He kept us entertained daily. No one could tell stories like Phil. Along with two other Liggett friends, we had the opportunity to drop by the tobacco shop the last time we were in Savannah. He was always so gracious and sweet to his "Liggett girls". My life is much richer for knowing Phil Hunter. May God bless your family.
- Diane Poole, Bahama, NC
Received the news this morning about Mr. Phil's passing away. My thoughts immediately raced back to the old neighborhood where my family & Mr. Phil's family enjoyed many outdoor get-togethers. Mr. Phil's personality was such that he never walked back to his house without leaving us with tears streaming from our eyes from laughter or big smiles on our faces. It goes without saying ... he truly will be missed by many who had the opportunity & pleasure to know Mr. Phil. I pray for eternal peace for this wonderful man. My condolences to Mrs. Bette & family.
- Patsi Higgs Smith , Savannah , GA
Phil, you and your family are so special to us and we will miss you so much! Greg and I are so thankful to have many wonderful visits with you to remember and lots of laughs along with all those entertaining stories that you shared with us! We will miss your smile and expressions as you told those stories. We're so thankful that you worked with my sister all those years at Liggett and were such a dear friend and mentor to her. We're also thankful that she invited us to tag along on visits so that we became part of your "NC family" too. Thanks for all the love, warmth and hospitality through the years. The thought of you singing some songs and dancing the jig with Lillian and other family members on those streets of gold makes me smile :) Sending thoughts, prayers, hugs and love to the family.
- Kim and Greg Brock, Morrisville, NC
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you over the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather - who loved his family, his church, and his Lord. He was a friend to many of us and we shall miss him so much. May God bless you through this difficult time.
- Mary Alice Garvin, Savannah, GA.
I was so saddened to hear the news about Phil. I had the pleasure of working with Phil for a number of years. On my very first day of work I was staying at a local hotel. I went down that morning for breakfast and a friendly, jolly fellow was sitting at a table close by. He started up a conversation with me that morning. He found out I was going to work for Liggett and I found out he worked there as well for many years. In typical Phil fashion he made me laugh and I found a new friend that very first day. I miss him and we are all so fortunate to have had him in our lives. Love you always Phil Hunter!
- Rick Haynes, Kure Beach, NC
Cindy and I send our sympathies to your family. I will forever cherish his trips to San Diego helping me understand how to deal with the Military. Mr.Hunter will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Rick and Cindy Boster, San Diego, Ca
Sending our sympathy and love to the entire Hunter family. We will miss our dear friend so much. He had a passion for God, family and life that was contagious, and always put a smile everyone's face. He will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are so grateful for the many special times we've shared with Phil and the family & will always cherish those memories.
- Wallace and Debbie Harris, Rougemont, NC
My condolences to the Hunter Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death] May fond memories of Pjillip linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
