It is with a heavy heart and cherished memories that Alma announces the passing of her husband of 30 years, Phillip Armfield, Born on August 11, 1951, in Lenoir, NC, to Claude Clark Armfield Sr. and Mary Sue Wall. Phillip’s journey through life came to a peaceful end in Alma’s arms, December 23, 2024, at 9:23pm after an 11-year battle with cancer.
Phillip had a successful career in the banking industry, holding various management positions, including Branch Manager at Trans South in Pensacola and Mortgage Loan Underwriter at City Financial. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication and professionalism.
Phillip had a deep passion for technology and loved exploring the latest electronic gadgets. He also had a great love for sports, especially golf, tennis, and ping pong which he enjoyed both playing and watching. He was A devoted fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels, he found great joy in the games, which he seldom missed.
Phillip didn't talk much, but when he did, his conversations were mostly about whichever sport was in season. He also took pleasure in his daily coffee, which was a simple but cherished part of his routine.
Phillip is survived by his wife Alma Armfield of 30 years, two children, Mary Virginia Holloway and Phillip Wall Armfield Jr.; four grandchildren, Alexandra Franklyn Holloway and Zachary Cooper Holloway of Simpsonville, SC, and Kayla Ann Armfield and Madelynne Elyzabeth Armfield of Burlington, NC; one brother, Claude Clarke Armfield Jr. of Hudson, NC; one sister, Janice A. Willenborg of Banner Elk, NC; three stepchildren, Tammy Colette Sutton, Rhonda Lynette Corbin, and Ronald Matthew Sutton of Maggie Valley, NC; and nine step grandchildren.
There will not be a formal funeral service, but his memory will live on through his family, friends and the many lives that he touched and influenced.
Phillip and Alma's story began in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, in 1986. Alma was managing the local grocery store, and Phillip had been hired to manage the BB&T Bank there, after going through a difficult breakup.
Phillip began stopping by the store on his way home for cigarettes and beer. Those visits grew longer and longer. I think that he was setting a trap where Alma chased him until he caught her by making himself irresistible to her, and it worked.
In July 1987, a work friend offered Alma tickets for a Michael Jordan Exhibition basketball game in Asheville, NC. Alma gathered the courage to invite Phillip along to the game. After some hesitation he agreed. After the game they went back to his house for a beer. At the end of the evening when Phillip walked Alma back to her car, a good night kiss turned into a lingering kiss.
The next day, Phillip called and invited Alma back to his home to grill steaks. From that moment on, they never spent another night apart. Their bond only grew stronger as they navigated life together, among various towns and jobs. In August 1994, they agreed to marry after eight years of living together.
Their lives continued to unfold with the same love and partnership that had begun in Maggie Valley. They moved to Pensacola in 1996, and in 2004, after caring for Phillip’s father until his passing, they found a house they both knew would be home. They were steadfast in their commitment to each other through the highs and lows—whether it was a job loss in 2011 or Phillip's battle with prostate and stomach cancer.
Despite these challenges, Phillip’s resilience was remarkable. He fought with everything he had and continued to work through his health struggles until he retired in 2019. His health began to deteriorate further in 2021, and his battle became even harder, but he never stopped fighting.
Throughout their journey together, Alma and Phillip shared a love that was built on patience, understanding, and unwavering support for one another. Their story is a testament to the enduring strength of love, and commitment. Phillip’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of love, patience and perseverance will never fade.
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