BENTONVILLE — Wayne E. Phillips,

83, of Bentonville, Ark., passed from this life Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Circle of Life Hospice House in Bentonville, Ark., with his loving family at his side.

Wayne was born January 6, 1941, to Wilburn Leon Phillips and Jennie Bell (Harrington) Phillips in Little Rock, Ark. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville, Ark.

Wayne moved to Illinois as a child, where he met his future wife in the third grade. After high school he joined the Air Force where he learned computer skills. Wayne married the love of his life, Sharon (Allsop) on September 4, 1960, in Beecher City, Illinois. He took a job with Cooper Communities, which brought them to Cherokee Village, Ark., in 1963. Four years later, Wayne and Sharon moved to northwest Arkansas, where they raised their two children — and never left.

Wayne loved quality time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. The memories made with his loved ones will forever be treasured by them.

Wayne was an avid supporter of the entire Bentonville school system and the Bentonville Tigers. He was the Voice of the Tigers for 30 years — to say he was a fan is an understatement!

Wayne leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, Sharon Phillips; one son, Tommy Phillips of Bentonville, Ark.; and one daughter, Terri Tolbert and husband Mike of Bella Vista, Ark. Papaw will be missed by his six grandchildren, Kenny, Ian, Zac, Wade, Wyatt, and Kaitlin; and three great-grandchildren, Hazel, Harper, Chloe, and one on the way. Wayne is also survived by two sisters, Linda Baldwin and husband James of Cabot, Ark., and Carolyn Hicks of Cabot, Ark.; and one sisterin-law, Carmela Phillips of Benton, Ark.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn and Jennie Phillips; one sister, Anita Brown; one brother, Leon Phillips; two brothersin-law, Gary Hicks and Jimmie Brown; and two nieces, Debbie Phillips and Linda Eubanks.

Wayne’s life celebration will be at 11: a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Bentonville, Ark., with Rev. Michelle Morris and Rev. Larry Dodgen officiating. Interment will follow in the Bentonville Cemetery in Bentonville, Ark.

Wayne’s pallbearers will be Wade Phillips, Wyatt Phillips, Kenny Barczewski, Ian Barczewski, Zac Barczewski, and Gage Awbrey.

Wayne’s visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Bentonville, Ark.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or www.stjude.org/donate

You may leave words of remembrance for Wayne’s family by visiting: www.eptingfuneralhome.com