Philip Edmonds
Philip Alan Edmonds died suddenly last week at the age of 65.
He was one of three children, born to Nadine Harrison Edmonds and J.E. Edmonds on Oct. 28, 1949.
He is survived by his brother, Carroll J. Edmonds, his sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Alex Roberts, his two sons, Jeffrey Edmonds and Philip Edmonds, and his granddaughter, Panambi Edmonds Cuellar.
Phil was born in Knoxville but lived in the Chattanooga area his whole life, growing up in North Chattanooga. He attended City High School, where he played trumpet in the band and was a star track athlete as a sprinter and pole vaulter. He graduated from City High in 1967, setting a state record in the pole vault that would last for more than a decade. He earned a track and field scholarship to Florida State University, then transferred to the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1971 with a major in mathematics and winning an SEC title with the team. Phil was inducted in the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments.
After college, Phil taught mathematics and coached track at the Baylor School. He was known as a challenging and energetic teacher who demanded understanding from his students. He then began a residential and commercial excavation company with his great friend Alex Roberts, which would become his life's work. He owned and operated Edmonds Excavating for more than 20 years before retiring at age 63.
Phil was a regular at the Sports Barn, and he was an avid racquetball player. He loved hunting and fishing, and he found great companionship with his dogs, especially Sam and Buck. He had many friends in the community, all of whom appreciated him as a provocative conversationalist, a steady friend, a reliable businessman, and a proud father and grandfather.
Phil's life will be celebrated on the banks of the Tennessee River with music, food, and drink on Saturday, June 6, from 4-9 p.m. at the River Inn Events Center, 2130 Suck Creek Road, Chattanooga, Tn. For any information, please contact his son Philip Edmonds at 208-201-4284.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.