In memory of Peller Phillips, Jr.
October 19, 1941-February 19, 2013
Peller Phillips, Jr. was born in Brewton, Alabama on October 19, 1941 to Myrtle and Peller Phillips. The family was part of the great migration of African-American southerners who left for the cities of the north, in their case Detroit. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara and brother Ford. He is survived by siblings Dorothy, Tillis, Juanita (husband John), baby sister Linda and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Peller’s young years were consumed by BASKETBALL which he absolutely loved. Dan Raley a former Seattle Post Intelligencer reporter stated in an article, “Phillips was a 5 foot 10 guard who hailed from Detroit’s Northwestern High School, someone with ball handling skills patterned and later pursued by the Harlem Globetrotters; so good, in fact, he was singled out in recent years as one of Detroit’s top 100 locally produced players, which is no small feat.”
Peller went to Coalinga Junior College in California on a basketball scholarship and then was recruited by Seattle University as a point guard. Also his basketball team competed in the NCAA Tournament. He went on to graduate from Seattle University.
Peller later met and married Deirdre Wisdom (husband Jeff). Their young, happy years were consumed with raising their four children, Lynn, Kim, Mark (wife Dionna) and Peller.
Peller worked a number of years at the Xerox Corp. He then went on to fulfill a lifelong dream, of owning his business, by opening a barbeque restaurant in the university district. The name of this restaurant was” Peller’s Open Pit Barbeque” which is remembered to this day.
He was a teacher and coach in the Seattle public schools district and was recognized as a gifted teacher. To this day he is fondly remembered by his former students and athletes. After leaving the school district he worked as an independent part time mortgage broker before retiring.
While teaching at Upward Bound one summer he met his future wife, Deena Fuller. They lost touch with one another and reconnected twelve years later. They were married in 2000. They concentrated on one another and strove to build a beautiful life together. Peller was a member of St. Clement of Rome Episcopal Church where he was famous for his “Holy Smoke” BBQ and sinfully delicious breakfasts!
Peller loved his families in Detroit, Seattle, his wife’s extended family and his many friends. In recent years he had reconnected with many of his Detroit buddies who were a great source of pleasure for him. He had so much love and high hopes for his grandchildren, Richie, Aeriell, Brandon, Markele, Schylar, Mark Jr., Myles and little Kayla. His constant companion was his cat, LeeLee. He was happiest when he was in his garden and at his computer, where he was writing a book about a Detroit sports legend.
Our hearts are broken but we thank God for the time we had with our wonderful brother, husband, father, Papa P and friend!
We wish to thank all of you who are surrounding us with so much love and support.
Deena Fuller and The Phillips Family
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:
Young Detroit Builders
1627 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48216-1927
Messages
Uncle Peller, You will be missed…may you rest now in the lords arms.
Seattle, WA
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man. Just know that the Murray family sends out deepest condolences to you all. We all grew up in Leschi – with all the Murray kids (Monte, Mia, Marc, Marla) in school with the Phillip kids. Keep those memories alive.
Respectfully,
Marla Murray Johnson
Seattle, WA
Deena and all of the Phillips family,
We Millers-Ruth, Carl and Stuart remember the life of Peller. We hope memories take the place of sorrow and sadness. Peller will not be forgotten.
Peace be with you all,
Stuart
seattle wa
I love you, love you, I love you grandpa. There is no other way to say it you will always and forever be my superman. Rest in peace…
Chester, PA 19013
As we grew up big brother, and although you were only two years older, you were my protecter and shield. John and I will miss you. Your little sister Nita
Chester, PA 19013
Good by big brother, you will be missed. You were always my protector and shield. In loving memory, your little sister Juanita.
VILLA Rica, Ga 30180
To the Phillips, my prayers go out to you all. You will really be missed. Remembering the good times back in Detroit.
Auburn, Alabama 36830
Dear Family,
My father, Everett L. Debrow, Sr. is a cousin to Peller, Jr. Although it has been years since I have seen any of you – I feel a closeness because of our “history lesson” at the recent family reunion. I pray God’s grace on all of you.
God rest his soul. I can still see him him and Charlie Williams running the Seattle U. fast break offenses of the early ’60s. Wonderful memories.
Michigan
It was so good seeing you and Deena each time you visited the Detroit area, and I will miss our chit-chats.
Good Bless you and keep you in his Loving Care, and God Bless Deena and your family who shared many wonderful years with you.
Love, Marion (Phillips) Middlebrooks
Detroit, MI
My beloved brother, I will love you and miss you always and forever!
Your Baby Sister,
Linda
Detroit MI
Peller your love for basketball was great.
Your love for your family, Greater!
You turn down traveling with the Harlem Globetrotters to be with your family.
My admiration for you is endless!
Love Dorothy
PS. See you on the other side baby brother!
Detroit, MI
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Peller your love for basketball was great.
Your love for your family, Greater!
You turn down traveling with the Harlem Globetrotters to be with your family.
My admiration for you is endless!
Love Dorothy
PS. See you on the other side baby brother!
Seattle
To the family of Peller Phillips, Jr. I worked with Peller at the Xerox Corporation in the early ’80s. He was an inspiration and a true professional. My prayers are with you all and I pray God’s peace and comfort for you today and always.
Oak Park, Michigan
To the Phillips Family:
My heart breaks over this news. I have always felt such a closeness to all of Cousin Myrt’s children because of all the stories she shared with me of their upbringing while living with her and Cousin Peller Sr. To our family and especially his siblings Juanita, Linda, Dorothy and Tellis, I pray God’s PEACE and COMFORT be with you always and your memories carry you in the days and years ahead.
Love,
Annettia
Seattle, Wa
Peller,
thank you for your friendship.
I miss you.