Phillip Barry Lane

December 2, 1925 - October 4, 2018

Phillip Barry Lane passed away on October 4, 2018 after a courageous five year battle of cancer. He was born on December 2, 1952 to the late Howard and Elsie Lane in Greensboro, NC. At an early age his family moved to Rutherfordton, NC where he attended school, was an active member of the First Baptist Church as well as the Boy Scouts of America. Phil earned the two highest awards in scouting: Eagle and God and Country. Phil graduated from Western Carolina University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. His relationship with his fraternity brothers remained strong throughout his life. Phil worked in the human relations field, sales and was a home inspector. Phil is survived by his wife, Kathy of 32 years and one daughter, Stephanie of Mt. Pleasant, SC. He was so proud and supportive of his daughter throughout all her endeavors. Phil also had one sister, Leslie Trammell from Boone, NC and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind several special cousins in Rutherfordton, NC and many friends throughout the area. Phil was an avid hiker and photographer. He enjoyed writing stories about all his adventures. He was passionate about the history of Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway and loved to share his knowledge with everyone he met. Phil was a dedicated volunteer at the NC Western Reginal Archives, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center and an active board member of the Exploring Joara Foundation in Morganton, NC. He will be sadly missed by many. Phil considered every day a beautiful day and lived each day to the fullest. A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, October 8, 2018 in the chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, www.friendsbrp.org or to the charity of the donor’s choice.