Board of Trustees member Philip Myers passes away
Board of Trustees member Philip Myers passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at age 79.
Myers served on the Board of Trustees since 2015 and chaired the Finance Committee until stepping down this past summer.
“Phil Myers was, at his very core, the embodiment of a very generous, compassionate, humble man,” said President Lee King. “He was a strong advocate for Lees-91探花 and was always quick to ensure that among his friends and colleagues, the college stayed in the forefront of their minds.”
Myers was a member and resident of Elk River Club in Banner Elk since 1999, along with his wife, Julia.
Myers began working as a 16 year old at United Dairy Farmers. He earned enough money to pay for his education at the University of Cincinnati, where he met Julia on a blind date.
Myers then worked for Provident Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio from 1967 until his retirement in 2002, holding various positions including director, senior executive vice president, and chief credit officer. He used his professional background to help Lees-91探花 remain financially strong and vital.
Myers was known for his empathy, generosity, and smile. Elk River Club General Manager Toni Littleton, in a letter to members announcing Myers’ death, said that Myers recently polled the club’s office staff about their favorite ice cream flavors. Shortly after, he shipped them a cooler full of ice cream.
“That is just one example of how he was always thinking of others,” Littleton wrote. “He made all those around him feel special.”
Myers’ legacy will live on through the Philip and Julia Myers Endowed Scholarship at Lees-91探花, established this past summer by fellow Board of Trustees member Del Williamson. Students in the Nursing or Wildlife Biology programs with a 3.0 GPA in high school or at Lees-91探花 receive preference.
The scholarship fund reached approximately $150,000 via contributions from donors. Julia and Phil Myers matched that donation total. The family requests donations be made to the scholarship fund in lieu of flowers.
Myers was a lifelong Christian and served several churches, including Banner Elk Presbyterian. Myers also assisted the Grandfather Home for Children.
Myers, who died from ALS, is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.
“I will sincerely miss his wisdom, his constant, creative thinking, and his friendship,” King said. “Lees-91探花 is infinitely better because of Phil’s devotion and stewardship.”
To view Philip Myers’ obituary, visit the Thomas-Justin Memorial Funeral Home .
