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By Nikki Christensen
Davie Community
Foundation

For the last 10 years, a Davie student has received the Joe Phillips Memorial Scholarship.
Joe’s son, Eric, established the scholarship as a way to give back to students in memory of his father’s life.
Joe Phillips grew up in Davie where he spent his childhood riding motorbikes and bicycles, shooting guns, listening to music, and playing guitar; Joe marched to the beat of his own drum. He was a one-of-a-kind man who brought a special energy and passion to the lives of his family and friends.
Eric remembers his father’s fun-loving personality fondly. “I felt incredibly lucky to have a father and friend like him. He was the best friend and father a boy could have. I used to say that when he was alive, too.”
Eric grew up listening to his dad play the guitar for as long as he can remember. Joe would often play at small venues in and around Mocksville.
He was also an active volunteer at the arts council and enjoyed participating in their events. Joe had a passion for music and the arts. The scholarship continues to honor his memory by helping students that share that same passion.
Since 1996, the Winston-Salem Radio Control Club has leased land on the Phillips family farm for their aerial endeavors. Situated in the heart of Davie County, the airstrip boasts two pavilions, a clubhouse and an 800-foot grass strip. A tarp runway allows small electric planes a smooth place to take off and land.
On any nice weather weekend, the public is invited to see these flight enthusiasts in action.
In December, the club hosted a “Two Plane Raffle” to benefit the Joe Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund. Club members sold raffle tickets and thanks to a partnership with Andrew Thornton, owner of Ho-b RC Park, two planes were donated as the raffle prizes. On Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Winston-Salem Radio Control Club dinner, two winners were announced, and two brand new RC Planes found homes.
On Dec. 20, Eric Phillips and Winston-Salem Radio Control Club members met at the Davie Community Foundation. The club presented a check for $1,000 from the proceeds of the charity raffle to the scholarship. Eric was delighted and surprised with the amount.
The Davie Community Foundation General Scholarship Application is available now. This application is where college and high school seniors can go to submit one application that “matches” them with all of the scholarships for which they are eligible. The deadline to apply for the general scholarship application is Feb. 10.
Do you know a college student or high school senior who needs help paying for college? Encourage that student to apply at Daviefoundation.org.
The foundation accepts gifts in any amount, at any time: for an existing fund, the Community Scholarship Fund, or the Davie Community Impact Fund. Options for establishment of named funds in honor or memory are available.
To learn more, contact Jane Simpson at (336) 753-6903 or jsimpson@daviefoundation.org or visit www.daviefoundation.org.