Mr. Phillip McCarter

Mr. Phillip McCarter, 71, passed away on September 9, 2025, at his home in Pheba. Phillip was born on May 27, 1954, in Laurel, to the late Howard Grady and Kathryn Elizabeth Gray McCarter. Phillip married the love of his life, Debra, in 1977 and was happily married for 47 years. They built a life in Pheba with their three children. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather to all his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Paw”. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. In fact, it seemed as though everyone in the Golden Triangle had not only seen the scar from his bypass surgery, but also heard the story behind it—told in true Phillip fashion, with humor and heart. For many years, Phillip shared his knowledge as a teacher, instructing students in welding, truck driving, small engines and other trades. He retired in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of welders, truck drivers and other skilled workers who still remember him best as “Mr. Mac.” His lessons extended far beyond the classroom, shaping not just skills but lives. Over the course of his life, Phillip wore many hats—farmer, fisherman, truck driver, mechanic, and more. He carried with him a wealth of knowledge, and he freely shared it with anyone who would listen. His love for the Lord guided his steps, and he faithfully served as a deacon, leading services, offering blessings, and lending his voice to prayer whenever he was called upon. Phillip was truly one of a kind. The mold was broken after God created him. This world will never be the same without his laughter, his stories, and his steady presence. We take comfort in knowing that his pain is gone, and he is now healed in the arms of the Lord. Though his faithful sausage dog, Roscoe, will miss him deeply, he will continue to be well loved and cared for—and will never want for anything. And as he would always tell his children “Remember who you are”, we will remember all the stories, lessons and continue to spread his love for the Lord. Visitation will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point and Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 P.M. at Bethesda Baptist Church in Crawford. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 P.M. with Reverend Raleigh Richter officiating and assisted by Bro. Zane Parker. Burial will follow in Bethesda Cemetery in Crawford. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Survivors include his wife, Debbie R. McCarter of Pheba: two daughters, Brandy Dean (Carlton) of Clinton and Kelly Harpole (Eddie) of Pheba: one son, Clayton G. McCarter (Gabby) of Pheba: seven grandchildren, James Brand of West Point, Savannah Gable of Mobile, Alabama, Rebecca Trull (T.C.) of West Point, Sabrina Woodson (Aaron) of Maben, Gabe Harpole (Kenzie) of Pheba, Makella Chandler of Starkville, and Gray McCarter of Pheba: four great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Parker, and Hudson Yow, of Mobile, Alabama, and Joshua Woodson of Maben two sisters-in-law, Sheila Tennyson of Eupora and Lee Melcher (Freddy) of West Point: one brother-in-law, Edward Andrew Redmond of Rogersville, Tennessee, and a number of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Clay McCarter, Gabe Harpole, Aaron Woodson, Thomas “T.C.” Trull, James Brand, Will Reid, Joe Tucker, and Nathan Morris. Honorary Pallbearers will be Banny and Pam Pearson, Russ and Lauri Hayes, Butch Douglas, David and Michelle Battle, David and Gypsy Gray, Dr. Clifton Craven, and his many friends at Cedar Bluff Global Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 661, West Point, Mississippi 39773 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com

Mr. Phillip McCarter

May 27, 1954 - September 9, 2025