Neal Cornelius Phillips, 80, of 331 Woodlandhurst Rd., Littleton, NC died Thursday, August 20, 2009. He was the son of the late David & Pauline Phillips.

Neal was raised in Sumter County, Ga. In 1943 he attended the Capital Page School in Washington, DC where he worked for former Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, of Texas. After High school he attended the Citadel in Charleston, SC where he studied Engineering. Neal joined the Navy in 1946 and was sent to Duke University to study mechanical engineering training and then was accepted into the Navy's pilot training program. Following completion of the program, Neal flew surveillance and anti-submarine missions in the Caribbean. He left the military in 1950 and entered into the Navy reserves, retiring with the rank of Captain. After military service he attended George Washington University and worked for the FBI crime laboratory, but his desires brought him to North Carolina where he purchased 70 acres of land outside Halifax and began farming. In 1956, Neal accepted a position with the US Soil Conservation Service and later became Executive Director of the Halifax County Stabilization and Conservation Service until his retirement in 1986. Upon his retirement from the Federal Government, Neal accepted the position of Halifax County Manager where he served until 1995. After serving as County Manager, Neal had worked part time for the City of Weldon as their Town Administrator. During his long life of public service Neal also served on the Halifax Regional Medical Center Board, Halifax Community College Board of Trustees, the Local Advisory Board for BB&T, the Halifax Development Commission, the Lake Gaston Weed Council and the Retired Naval Officers Association.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy, and his sister, Martha Boleman.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family; his daughter, Laurie Eatman and her husband, Del, of Charlotte; two sons, Rob Phillips and his wife, Peg, of Gig Harbor, Washington and Scott Phillips and his wife, Jennifer, of Oxford, NC; nine grandchildren; his brother, Nelson Phillips and his wife, Jamanell, of Pelion, SC, and their family; and his devoted cat Hot Shot.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful friends who have been so kind to Neal: The entire staff of the Town of Weldon, who Neal enjoyed working with and loved as friends, his friends and neighbors on Lake Gaston, especially his friends, Terri Hudson and Joan Shell. All of his neighbors were always there when he needed them. He was blessed to be surrounded by them.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Saturday, August 22, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Cryptside services will be held Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Halifax United Methodist Church Cemetery in Halifax with Rev. Pam Hudson officiating. Military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Weldon Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 551, Weldon, NC 27890.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Phillips’ service to his country.