Walter "Buck" Lewis Philyaw

Walter Lewis Philyaw, 80, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, June 9, 2017. Through the blessing of hospice, he was able to be at his home with his wife, family and friends by his side. “Buck” as he was also called, was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1936 to the late Lewis W. and Beatrice Pritchard Philyaw. He spent most of his teen years growing up on their farm in Lenoir, NC, and he was next to the oldest of 10 children. There he met a young lady named Johnlyn Triplett whom he knew he was destined to marry. They met in October, were engaged the following February and married the following June. After they were married, he and Jonnie moved to Michigan where they lived for 15 years before returning to Charlotte in 1974. Buck spent years working in road construction until his family returned to North Carolina. With the local economy severely depressed, he did what he had to do to provide for his family and spent a year in Alaska working on the Alaskan pipeline while his family remained in Charlotte. When he returned, he bought himself a rig and became an owner/operator trucker until his retirement. It was during his trucker days that he was known by his CB handle, "Buckaroo" or "Buck" for short. Buck, or "Buster", enjoyed many things in life. He enjoyed fishing, camping at the beach, yardwork, the NC Tarheels, Chevrolets, crosswords, and Starbucks coffee. But most of all, he loved time spent with his family and friends. Buck spent 14 years volunteering with the Boy Scouts as a Webelo leader, Scout Master and as a Commissioner. He was very much loved and respected by the scouts that he guided toward adulthood of which many achieved the highest rank of Eagle. This allowed him more time with his sons. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and had earned his Woodbadge beads. He was also presented many awards for his tireless work with the scouts but one of the most rewarding was the St. George award presented by the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. Buck was also an excellent storyteller. His gifts of love and laughter were a blessing to all who knew him and he will be sadly missed. Surviving Mr. Philyaw is his loving wife of 58 years, Jonnie Triplett Philyaw, who was always by his side as he fought for many years due to extreme health conditions. The pride and joy of his life were his two sons: Christopher Scott (wife Susan) of Lugoff, SC, and Michael Lee (fiancée Lisa Excell) of Charlotte. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Hayley, Hayden, Jonah, Seth, Evan, Asher, Sidney Claire, Taylor and Ryan of which he adored. Siblings that are surviving are his brother Tom and his sisters: Mattie Ruth, Dollie and Jeanie. Buck is further survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Wilfred and Bob, and his sisters Bertha, Patricia and Annie Mae. Buck’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home of Matthews the privilege of caring for them. There will be two gatherings to celebrate Buck's life, one in Lenoir and one in Charlotte. The Celebration of Life Service in Lenoir has been scheduled for July 15th, from 11 am until 2 pm at 3139 Rolling Acres Road. Lenoir, NC 28645. A gathering of friends and family in Charlotte is scheduled for 7 to 9 pm on Tuesday, June 27, at the Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home. Please take a moment to visit Buck’s tribute wall and leave a memory, photo or video for the family to see. In honor of Walter (Buck) Philyaw please consider making a memorial donation to Levine Cancer Institute at www.givecarolinas.org/GiveLife

Walter "Buck" Lewis Philyaw

June 17, 1936 - June 9, 2017