Tyler Davis Phillips

Tyler Davis Phillips of Mooresville, North Carolina, passed away on June 19, 2026. He was a caring, colorful, and beloved figure who lived a life filled with curiosity, adventure, a deep love for family, friends, community - and fine cuisine. Born October 2, 1943. the eldest of Elizabeth Davis and Arnold Thielens Phillips' six children. Tyler grew up with a keen sense of responsibility and a natural inclination to lead - traits that defined both his career and his family life. He was educated at St. Stevens School in Arrington, Va, Lynchburg College, and earned an MBA from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Tyler began his career with General Electric. in Finance and later in International Business: Development, work which took him throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas, deepening his appreciation for local cuisine and culture in every country he visited. In 1985, Tyler founded The Partnership Group, (TPG), a nationwide company which helped large corporations support their employees in balancing the demands of work and family at a time when more women were entering the workforce. ln 1991, Inc. magazine named TPG as one of America's fastest growing email businesses. In the late 90's he and Jill moved to Tiburon, California, to "follow the food", create hillside gardens and build a Tuscan farmhouse overlooking San Francisco Bay. They became part of Tiburon's "foodie" community, growing healthy vegetables and edible flowers and gathering friends to eat from his gardens, ski the mountains in the West, climb the mountains of Italy for a picnic' and sail the Mediterranean to eat at El Buli .... For Tyler, breaking bread and friends went hand in hand. Lite was good. Missing their growing "ready-made" grandchildren, "Bampa" and "Jilli" moved back to the East Coast, to share in their adventures-and to create more. Every child needs to build a treehouse to enjoy lunch and listen to the birds, and learn to appreciate sailing and snow skiing, have dim sum and figure out how to make ice around fresh fruit stuffed with ice cream. They are his joy- even now after they have all left the nest. In retirement in Mooresville. NC. Tyler returned to his gardens and embraced a new role as Chef Tyler, helping hostesses plan special dinner parties featuring fresh vegetables, edible flowers, gourmet cuisine, and fine wine. I brought him boundless joy, and he was greatly appreciated. Tyler is survived by his wife, Jill Houghton Phillips; stepson and wife, Patrick Houghton and Leslie (Crow) Flanagan, Charlotte NC; grandchildren, P. Houghton of Greenville, SC, Lane, Elizabeth of Boston, MA., and Eliza Stafford Flanagan of Nashville. TN; his sisters, Patiene (Bevis) Schock of St. Louis, MO, Jeannette (Peter) Foley of Los Altos Hills, CA; his brother, Dexter (Lisa) Spokane of WA; and much loved nieces and nephews. Tyler is pre-deceased by his first wife, Cynthia Moreau Phillips; and brothers, Lunsford (Gunnell) and Arnold Phillips. A memorial service will be held in the chapel of St. Michael's Church, Geneseo, New York, with a private burial to follow.

Tyler Davis Phillips

October 2, 1943 - June 19, 2026