Philip Ogden Redwine

On July 17, 2013 Philip O. Redwine, Sr., 75, died peacefully with his loving family surrounding him following a courageous battle against declining health.

Phil was born on February 24, 1938 in Badin, North Carolina to John and Frances Redwine. He was predeceased by his parents, his in laws Judson T. Rhodes, Ralph C. Stephens, Josephine Stephens and his grandson Sawyer Redwine Styres. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 28 years Annette who cherishes his memory, his tireless and loving mother in law Pat Rhodes, sister in law Claudette Rhodes-Greger, former wife and devoted mother Sylvia Redwine. He is celebrated by his five children who are his heart and their spouses Angel Styres (Bill), Philip Redwine Jr. (Rebecca), Nash Redwine (Jessica), Marlot McMichael (Patrick) and Cristin DeRonja (Frank) as well as eight beautiful, loving grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, his siblings and their spouses Gerald Redwine (Annette) and Kay Russell (Ralph). Phil was the perfect Dad to his children and a second father to many of his dear friends’ children who called him “Uncle Phil” or “The Judge”.

He was a graduate of the Badin High School Class of 1956 and then graduated from N. C. State University in 1960 where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He spent the next few years serving honorably in the United States Army before returning home and attending law school at Wake Forest University and earned his Juris Doctorate which would help define his career path in the field of law.

Phil’s successful career may be best summarized in one word, kindness. Whether it was working in private practice or as a governmental employee he remained humble, fair and most of all kind. Once complete with his law school requirements he went to work as an Assistant Attorney General and then served as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party in 1968. Phil worked as a high ranking official at the NCDMV and the relationships he developed there would serve him and his future clients well. Phil started his law career alongside Waverly Akins in Fuquay Varina and then helped build the successful law firm of DeMent, Redwine and Askew. An appointment to Wake County District Court Judge provided a break from and fresh perspective to the practice of law for Phil. After five years on the bench he returned to his true love as a criminal defense lawyer until he retired. Phil relished his days in and around the courthouse and never missed an opportunity to leave a crowd behind in tears from one of his superbly timed comments or jokes.

His leadership of the Wake County Chitlin Club where he presided as Grand Ayatollah and his participation with the Stag Club and the Wake County Wildlife Club were grounded in his love of friendship and laughter. He was a fine friend, careful listener and sweet soul that became a wildly successful man because he was kind. He moved through the back alleys of the courthouse and around downtown Raleigh with ease and a smile that folks envied. He cared deeply for his clients, his friends and his family equally all the while setting an example of how easy it can be to treat people with dignity and respect.

Phil’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the many friends and caregivers who have helped him throughout his extended illness especially Ian, Kebede, Peter and Edgar. The outstanding Wake Med CICU medical staff that gave him world class care was simply amazing and a blessing to his family. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Wake Forest School of Law PO Box 7227 Winston-Salem, NC 27109. A memorial service will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church on Monday July 22, 2013 at 4:00 pm. The family will receive friends immediately afterwards in Kerr Hall.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC 27605.