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By  Ellen Bishop

For the Enterprise

Joe and I had a lot in common.  We both grew up on a farm in Davie County, graduated one year apart from Davie High and worked at the Mocksville Post Office as letter carriers.

But, this is not about me. This is about Joseph Edwin Phillips, whose life was cut short at the age of 54.

Joe spent his childhood and early adulthood on a dairy farm where he was taught a strong work ethic along with how to have fun in life. As a child, he loved riding motorbikes and bicycles, shooting guns, listening to music and playing guitar. His easygoing, fun-loving personality spilled over into the work place. I remember he would come to work after already putting in hours milking cows and go about his daily routine without complaint although he did write a song about the “post office blues.”

As Eric, Joe’s son, has stated, his father was one of a kind who marched to the beat of his own drum but at the same time brought his energy and love to spread around among family and friends. Joe would oftentimes play at small venues in and around Mocksville; he was an active volunteer at the arts council and had a special passion for music and the arts.

As a way to give back in memory of his father’s life, Eric has established a scholarship through the Davie Community Foundation that will benefit a graduate with music and arts in their future.  Ten years of scholarships have been given so far.

To help continue Joe’s legacy, please join us this upcoming weekend, June 25 and 26,  for a fundraiser for the Joe Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund. Sunflower Hill at 149 Pete’s Lane Mocksville should be in full bloom by then.

Hours for professional photographers are Saturday, June 25, 7-11 a.m.; Sunday, 5-8 p.m. by appointment only ($25/hour).  Text Ellen Bishop at 336-354-8941 for appointment. Any cut flowers $1 per stem.

For the public, hours will be Saturday, June 25,  11a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; take your own photos (free); flowers $1 per stem.  Bring your own bucket and shears to cut.  There is a restroom on site.  Pets are allowed on aleash only.

Donations of any size welcomed.