Norman Lee Phillips

Norman Phillips, 76, Loving Father, Ag Teacher, Avid Gardener died of cancer Friday, Dec. 20 surrounded by his wife of 55 years Barbara and children Liz, Steven and Suzanne. Norm graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1955 where he played football, baseball and held the record for the high jump for several decades. Norm played football and track at College of Sequoias where he met the love of his life Barbara Cargile. He completed his education at Fresno State University and earned his masters from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After college, Norm found his true passion teaching high school agriculture. He taught four years at Gridley High school, 14 years at Redwood High School and another 14 years at Golden West. In addition to teaching, Norm loved coaching competitive teams in Parliamentary Procedure, Ornamental Horticulture, Citrus Judging, Public Speaking and Floriculture. One of the many highlights of his career was the Golden West Floriculture team which won 1st place in the National FFA Floriculture Contest. Norm retired from teaching in 1995 but life had just begun. His passion for his family and community continued as he became a grandparent. He always had time to help a grandchild with a homework assignment, coach a sports teams, watch a dance competition or just serve as the number one fan. Norm attended countless jr. high, high school and Fresno State athletic competitions with his good friend Denny Klaseus. Norm served as the spiritual leader of the family and was an active member of the Visalia Church of the Nazarene where he served on the Board of Directors and taught Adult Sunday school for 15 years. Norm was also a Charter Member of the Tulare County Master Gardners program where he made many good friends throughout his life. Norm is survived by his wife of 55 years Barbara, children Liz (Ray) Wynn, Steve (Lori) Phillips, Suzanne (Phil) Dudney, grandchildren Jessica (Paul) Aguila, Kim (Michael) Schommer, Sean Phillips, Allison Phillips, Hope Dudney, great granddaughters Abigail Schommer and Gwynn Aguila, his siblings Donald Phillips, Gerald Phillips, Joanne Wild, Sarah Hale and preceded in death by his brother Richard. His legacy of love and family will be carried on with the wonderful memories he leaves behind. The family would like to thank all of Norms friends who offered so much support during his illness. We would also like to thank his sister Sarah Hale, Dr. James Fox and Pat Urrity from Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care of our father. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Moore Rose Garden c/o Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation P.O. Box 1032 Visalia, CA 93279, Visalia Church of the Nazarene, 3333 W. Caldwell, Visalia 93277 or your favorite charity. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday 12/28, 1:00 pm at the Visalia Church of the Nazarene.