Phillip Alan McGregor

Phil was born on April 21, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio. Phil was the son of John C. and Eva L. McGregor of Monteagle, TN. He studied pharmacy at the University of Chattanooga and graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 1955. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Army. He later moved to Chattanooga, TN where he owned Lay Drug Company on Rossville Blvd. until his retirement.

A tireless volunteer, Phil took great joy in helping others, and he spent his retirement working with numerous organizations. He worked weekdays tutoring children at McConnell Elementary School and later at Rivermont Elementary School. In 2002 – 2003, Phil was awarded Outstanding Service to Public Education Award given by Hamilton County Education Association. He also spent many years delivering food for Meals on Wheels. Most recently, Phil served in the Stephen Ministry for First Centenary Church, where he enjoyed visiting with members confined to hospitals or nursing facilities. An eager listener with a quick smile, Phil looked forward to each and every visit.

Phil frequently mentioned that the most important things in his life were Faith, Family, and Friends. Phil was a longtime member of First Centenary United Methodist Church where he taught the Trinity Class each Sunday for many years. He especially enjoyed the early church service and Wednesday night service each week. He was very active in his church, knew and welcomed most people by name, and considered his Sunday Class to be a second family.

Phil would be quick to tell you that his greatest accomplishments and fondest memories centered on his family. His younger sister was his greatest champion and most loyal confidante; and he cherished every memory they shared. Affectionately known as Papaw to those who loved him best, Phil especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Whether he was going to sporting events, attending school functions, debating college football, or listening to fish stories and other tales of “adventure”, Phil relished every minute spent with his family. Most recently, he was thrilled to witness college graduations, marriages, and especially the birth of a new great grandson.

Phil enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, watching Mocs Basketball, and spending time with his dear friends of many years. Monthly Supper Groups with the Pitners, Pierces, Oldhams, Stewarts, and Mrs. Bailey were an event that Phil looked forward to with gusto.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, John and Eva McGregor and by a grandson, Ian Majoras.

Phil is survived by his sister, Carol (Harold) Estes of Chattanooga; three children, Maureen (Jim) Morrison of Signal Mountain, Kathleen (Tim) Collins of Hixson and Kevin (Jan) McGregor of Signal Mountain; ten grandchildren, Will (Kate) Morrison of Chattanooga, Lacy (Joseph) Ezell of Franklin, TN, Austin Morrison (fiancé Sam Robinson) of Signal Mountain, Jennifer (Cody) Crews of Hendersonville, TN, Clinton, Godfred, Joseph, and Philip Collins all of Hixson, Ryan and Hayden McGregor of Signal Mountain; and one great grandson, Jackson Crews of Hendersonville, TN.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm on Thursday, December 10, in the narthex of First Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

The services for Phil will follow at 4 pm on Thursday at the church with Ministers David Harr, Linda McDaniel, and Douglas Fairbanks officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Salvation Army or First Centenary United Methodist Church. For those persons wishing to especially honor Phil, please consider donating your time to a worthy cause or visiting a shut-in during the holiday season.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.