Phillip is survived by his wife, Latrelle, and 2 children: Cris Kahle of Ft. Myers, FL, and Jeni Funderburk of Owings Mills, MD. He is survived by 4 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and a sister, as well as in-laws, 9 nieces & nephews, and 6 great nieces & nephews, along with many other extended family.

Phillip was born in Seaford, DE and grew up in Laurel, DE with his parents, J. N. G. and Annette Dechene, 4 brothers and a sister. Phillip graduated from Laurel High School and Del-Tech with a degree in architectural engineering, leading to a professional career as a manufacturing engineer. Married for 31 years, he was a respected father, uncle, and friend to all that knew him. He was noted for both strength of character, as well as spirit, and did his best to make the lives of those around him better, close friends and strangers alike. A memorial service will be held at Brooks Ave Church of Christ, 700 Brooks Ave Raleigh on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to mda.org or Special Needs Ministry of Brooks Ave Church of Christ.