Phillip Evins Camp, age 73, of Cherryville, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, on May 5, 1952, he was the son of the late Ralph Evins Camp and Ailene Scism Camp Carroll.

Phil was a man who never saw a problem that could not be solved. He worked early on at Tillman’s Handy Mart, Carolina Freight, and Eaton Industries, but he possessed a unique talent for mechanics—specifically starters and alternators. This skill and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own business in 1979. Through his dedication, he grew the business to serve the local community, dirt track race teams, and eventually built starters and alternators for almost every NASCAR team. Phil also contracted with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide his services. He knew a lot of race drivers personally and always had a story to tell. On race days, he rarely pulled for a specific car to win, because he had a vested interest in keeping them all running.

However, Phil’s true legacy was his heart. He was a tried-and-true unsung hero of Cherryville. He never forgot that when he was young, the folks of Cherryville took care of him; as a man, he made it his mission to take care of Cherryville. When people were in trouble, Phil stepped up. Whether it was covering funeral expenses or paying off defaulted mortgages, he did it because it was the right thing to do. When asked to help, he simply said "yes."

Phil was a founding member of the Knights of Pythias, Randy Huffman Memorial Lodge 263. Through the Lodge, he served his community through scholarships, donations, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and community outreach.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Diana McSwain Camp; his children, Chad Camp, Stacie Camp Bennett (Scott), and Cassie Camp McCrimmon (Chris); and his brother, Lamar Camp. He was the proud grandfather of Thomas Camp, Lydia Bennett, Gracie Truesdell, Cole McCrimmon, and Liam McCrimmon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Max Hamrick and Jimmy Hamrick; and his sisters, Martha Causby and Shirley Putman.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mary’s Grove Community Church Cemetery, with Pastor Randy Heffner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Phil’s spirit of generosity by paying it forward—help a neighbor in need, or contribute to a local charity like the Knights of Pythias Lodge 263.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com