Obituary for WILLIAM ARCHIE PHILLIPS JR. Outdoorsman, adventurer, television personality, and legendary storyteller Archie Phillips died Wednesday, May 23rd 2018. At the age of 82, he passed the way he wanted: surrounded by family and friends.
How does one begin to capture a life so full? Archie often joked that he had lived three lifetimes, and considering his numerous scrapes with death, an outdoors television show that spanned half a century, and hunting excursions that traversed the globe, it’s hard to argue with that. Archie’s adventure began on August 31st, 1935.
He grew up in Wylam, Alabama. As a child, Archie worked at his parents’ sandwich shop, Phillips’ Pantry, where he gained his business acumen and his lifelong love of sweets. Archie had a love of the outdoors from an early age.
As a teenager, he and a friend embarked on a 408-mile canoe trip from Birmingham to Mobile, which lasted 14 days. Archie spent most of his childhood and teenage years involved with Boy Scouts and ultimately became an Eagle Scout. In fact, later in life he was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, the Boy Scouts’ highest honor.
It was in Boy Scouts that Archie developed his lifelong love of taxidermy, at the age of 12. In high school, Archie met Sharon, the love of his life, and married her soon after (unbeknownst to their parents). He was 19; she was 15.
The two were married for 63 years. During his time in college, Archie began cultivating his taxidermy business and making steps that would ultimately lead Archie Phillips’ Taxidermy to become the largest freshwater taxidermy studio in the United States. He was even kicked out of his boarding house for prepping a rattlesnake for mounting in his bathroom, a feat that was not appreciated by a roommate who mistook the snake for a live one and shot it (along with the bathtub).
Through his taxidermy connections and love of the outdoors, he began filming his outdoors television show, Outdoors with Archie Phillips, which was broadcast throughout the country and continued on some outlets for over fifty years. Archie was known to pepper his shows with his characteristic Southern aphorisms, such as “hot diggity dog” or “holy mackerel,” which were typically uttered during intense bouts with uncooperative bass. He was a generous soul that would donate his money, his time, and his land to share his love of the outdoors with anyone that was willing.
He loved hosting annual dove hunts and 4th of July parties at his lake that were open to anyone and everyone. He also sought to share his wisdom with others and teach them everything he knew. He always challenged and pushed others to succeed and often quipped, “Don’t try; do.
Try is the weakest word in the English language”. He liked to say that one of his finest accomplishments was teaching others what he knew about real estate so they could become their own boss and, like him, could go fishing whenever they pleased. Archie’s love of the outdoors was surpassed only by his love for his family.
He involved every member of his family in his adventures, from bear hunting in Canada to alligator hunting in Louisiana to local squirrel hunts and fishing trips. He truly loved entertaining children, and his annual Christmas stories (which included elves in sweatshops and amputee Santas) were a family tradition that were adored by children and adults alike. Known to his family as “Pawpaw” or “Boonie,” Archie was a loving husband, supportive brother, caring father, generous grandfather, and the glue that held his family together.
He will truly be missed. Archie was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Phillips; his sister, Bettie Sue Jackson; his daughter, Melanie Whaley; and his daughter-in-law, Karen Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Phillips; his sons, William “Bubba” Phillips and David Phillips (Julie); his grandchildren, Kathy Mckee (Blake), Jenny Yearby (Jason), Stacey Huff (Brandon), Will Phillips, Sharon Phillips, and Wesley Phillips; his seven great-grandchildren; and his brother, John E. Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, we believe Archie would want you to take a moment to give your child, grandchild, or friend a “hug-neck” and take them hunting or fishing. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Greater Alabama Council, Boy Scouts of America. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 26, from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove.
The funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M. at the Church. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of WILLIAM ARCHIE PHILLIPS JR.
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