Phil Smith, age 81, of Carbondale, IL, passed away November 4, 2024, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. Born in 1943 to Charles “Charlie” Smith and Mary Imogene Schumacher Smith, Phil was a lifelong resident and dedicated community member of Carbondale, IL.
He was a proud and active member of the Ainad Shriners of Southern Illinois and Makanda Masonic Lodge for 45 years. He served as the treasurer of the Jackson County Shrine Club for over 30 years. He was also a longtime member of both the Elks Lodge #1243 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Carbondale, and a member of the Scottish rites.
Phil’s career began at Smith’s Dodge, the family business, where he worked alongside his two brothers and earned numerous awards for his exceptional service and business accomplishments. A born entrepreneur with a deep love for Southern Illinois, Phil was a key partner in bringing classic country culture to the area by opening Classic Country in DeSoto in 1992. He later went on to own and operate two other Carbondale businesses with his wife Wilma: Dillinger’s Feed Store and Grassy General Store. In every venture, Phil’s trademark charm, humor, and gift of gab brought joy to those who crossed his path. He held close the values passed down from his parents, and firmly believed a person’s word and a handshake were all that should be necessary in making a great deal.
Known for his quick wit, Phil could lighten any room with a perfectly timed joke or story. He found joy in making others laugh, and his deep southern drawl and playful spirit are well-loved by all who knew him.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Smith; daughter Kimberly Smith; son Phillip Smith; brother Paul (Joan) Smith; and his beloved dog Bo Man, all of Carbondale, IL.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Wilma Smith of Carbondale, IL; his daughter Ami (Mike) Bowen of Waynesville, NC; stepdaughter Kathy (Brad) Alleroth; granddaughter Haley (Brian) Dooley of Carbondale, IL siblings Penny Smith of Murphysboro, Pam (Gordon) Rands of Macomb, IL, and Perry Smith of Elkville, IL; and his loyal dog Murphy.
Services will be held at Walker Funeral Home, 112 S Poplar St, Carbondale, IL, on Friday, November 8, 2024. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service led by Rev. Gary Darnell at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove in Murphysboro, IL. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward to celebrate Phil’s life at the Eagles in Carbondale.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Phil’s name to Shriners Children’s via Walker Funeral Home.
Phil will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Carbondale community. His warmth, humor, and commitment to others leave a legacy of laughter and kindness that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Walker Funeral Home and Crematory of Southern Illinois entrusted with arrangements.
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