Philip Anthony Smith, Jr.

Philip Anthony Smith, Jr., 64, of Galesburg, died at 1:12 pm, Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Heartland Healthcare Center, Galesburg, Illinois. Phil was born in Galesburg, on September 26, 1951, the son of Philip Anthony and Mary Martha (Armstrong) Smith, Sr. He graduated from Galesburg High School; and retired from Gates Rubber Company after dedicating 30 years of his work there. Phil is survived by his sons, Christopher (Jessica) Smith of Knoxville, and Marcus McLeese of Des Plaines, IL; a brother, Joseph (Teresa) Smith of Galesburg; three sisters, Mary Walters, Ellajean Blunt, and Philis Bramlett, all of Galesburg; one grandson, Cody Kent of Knoxville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Michael Dean Smith of Sioux City, IA; brothers-in-law, David Walters and Ernie Blunt of Galesburg; and a nephew, Nash Walters of Galesburg. In his spare time, Phil liked to do carpentry work, he also liked wood working and to go fishing. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Western movies, and old country classics. He loved to attend his grandson, Cody’s motor cycle races and would beam with pride every time he watched him race. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Phil was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Per Phil’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Phil’s life will be held at Chris and Jessica’s residence 904 Palmer Lane, Knoxville on Sunday, June 5, 2016; at 1 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in Phil’s honor may be given to Hospice Compassus or the Galesburg Motorcycle Club. Expressions of sympathy can be left to the family online at www.watsonthomas.com.