makes me wanna ride when I see stuff like this....our next trip is to see Mt. Rushmore...i'd like to do that as soon as the weather permits in the spring
as well, it's good to see you healthy and drinking life in, you are a blessed man
The alarm buzzed at 0600. It’s currently 30 degrees out on the Temp-O-Meter with promises of mid 40’s and rain moving in around 10am. My gear was readied the night before for conditions, oil level, fuel, and tire pressure all good. I rolled out of my undisclosed bunker just West of the Twin Cities that tobacco built at 0730. I leaned right and rolled onto I-40 West heading toward the Rolling Thunder chapter location in Statesville, NC. The temp as already hit a balmy 32 degrees and the Gerbing jacket liner and G4 gloves along with heated seat and grips have me wanting to do an Iron Butt. But let’s get back to what the mission is which is most important. Our friend, fellow Chapter President, biker, Army Veteran and Patriot has gone home to be with the Lord. The family has asked Rolling Thunder to escort the hearse from the funeral home in Mooresville, NC to the Salisbury National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with honors.
Our four road guards are the best I have seen. We rolled out at 0815 with thirteen bikes and one pickup truck. We ran 20 miles and never had to stop or slow down. When we arrived at the funeral home the hearse was in front with a long line of cars behind. There were two Patriot Guard riders there already lined up. We staged in front. Maybe 15 minutes went by and we formed a double line for them to pass through taking Jeff’s remains to the hearse. The Mooresville city police were on sight and it was time to roll.
Hats off to Mooresville City Police, Rowan County Sherriff’s department, Salisbury City Police and Fire Rescue. This was one of the best most seamless escorts ever. They were clearing communicating; the pass offs were smooth, and every intersection was covered. Many were outside their cars with a solute or their hand over their heart. It always brings tears to your eyes seeing this level of patriotism.
We arrived at the cemetery and there was a nice crowd of people, Patriot Guard, and the Color Guard. We immediately grabbed American Flags and formed two lines to allow the remains and family to pass through. It was a beautiful service and I am honored to have been able to do my small part to let Jeff know he was appreciated, respected, and will be missed.
Praise to God that the forecast calling for rain was moved back a couple of hours. We were all safely at home before the rain fell. I got back home at 11:30am and it was 41 degrees, very overcast and rain coming. But the ride was nice, the bike ran well, and I love this country, love our veterans and the men and women wearing our uniform around the globe.
I want to share a story I heard at the service. A young man probably in his mid to late 30’s told the family about a really special memory he had. His 11-year-old son died. The last special moment the family had was his son on Jeff’s lap as Jeff played Santa which he did for years.
From my original post in Off Topic:
Remembering a friend and true American Patriot.
I first met Jeff when we got involved with Rolling Thunder. Super nice guy with a lot of personality. He was the President of our local chapter for years and we rode to DC with him many times. Agent Orange ruined Jeff’s lungs and he suffered a lot of problems from it which caused him to have to step down from the chapter and stop riding.
The picture attached is me on the left, then Jeff, my wife and my best friend Sonny on the right. This is from a Polar Bear ride about 8 years ago. It was in the 30’s all day. We rode all the way to Shady Valley, TN to the Snake! On the way back we stopped for fuel and a bathroom break. As I was walking out of the station there was a cooler with ice cream bars. I bought everybody one and we proved we were hard core tough bikers not afraid of the cold! Ha Ha
I removed a lot of names from the obituary.
Obituary
Jeffrey (Jeff) of Statesville, NC, passed on January 5, 2021 in Statesville. He was born in Jacksonville, FL. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, his stepsons, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He also is survived by his siblings. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Jeff was an honorably discharged veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He retired from Freightliner but continued to work for and with many local charities. He will best be remembered for his work dressed as Santa, visiting hospitals, Childrens Home, churches and various public and private events with his friend Billy, dressed as an elf. He loved making children, patients and veterans smile at his snow white beard and twinkling eyes, the true spirit of Santa.
A Service will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Jon, aka "Cup Cake" is our board of directors. I'm proud to serve with him on the board. He rolled in sliding his rear tire on the built Road Glide and complaining his clutch is slipping above 90 mph! Staging at the UAW in Statesville before heading to the funeral home. Sonny our current Chapter President and my best friend. We have known each other since 1987. I'm checking out a Cosmic Blue Pearl bike like we used to own. Chapter ride from Statesville to the funeral home in Mooresville, NC At the Funeral Home.
The picture attached is me on the left, then Jeff, my wife and my best friend Sonny on the right. This is from a Polar Bear ride about 8 years ago. It was in the 30’s all day. We rode all the way to Shady Valley, TN to the Snake! On the way back we stopped for fuel and a bathroom break. As I was walking out of the station there was a cooler with ice cream bars. I bought everybody one and we proved we were hard core tough bikers not afraid of the cold! Ha Ha
My wife and I have been recovering from Covid. We are both well and back to work but still not 100%. Saturday was a nice day temp wise and we both just did our own thing around the house. I mainly worked in the main cave and did a little shooting AR’s with my neighbor. I asked the Carolina Girl what she would like to do today since it was going to be close to 70 degrees. She looked at me and asked if I thought I was ready to ride. Well we woke up, enjoyed a nice breakfast and coffee and told her to get ready to saddle up. It was overcast all day and damp feeling, but warm!
We hit I-40 east bound toward the twin cities that tobacco built and went to Smokin HD. We were both excited to see the 2021 models. I was impressed with their inventory and the colors. You just have to see them in person to enjoy them. We spent about an hour there and caught up with friends.
Then we jumped off Business 40 at Main Street and rode up to Camel City BBQ Factory. They were actually very busy, but we got seated quickly and the service was excellent. I had the BBQ Brisket plate with slaw and baked beans and could not eat it all. They gave me four large slices of brisket and it was too much. What a great meal!
We used our Cardo headsets on the ride today and it was nice just cruising and talking. I wish I had a dollar for every time my wife told me how good the bike sounds! She absolutely loves the sound of the Stage III through the DBX45’s. I have to say I like it to.
I’m getting the itch for another Iron Butt ride. Maybe 2021 will be a better riding year than 2020.
Mark - it's so nice to see that you and the Carolina Girl have recovered and are back on the road and loving life. I'm looking forward to seeing more pictures and reading more of your adventures. Hugs to you both.
12-21-2020 | 03:15 PM
R.I.P. Jeff Phillips
