William Curtis Phillips

Birth Date: 10/23/1954
Deceased Date: 05/02/2025

William Curtis Phillips, known to all as Curt, passed away peacefully on May 2 at the age of 70, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Johnston County, North Carolina, Curt was born on October 23, 1954, in Smithfield to Bill and Juanita Phillips. He grew up in Pine Level with his younger sister, Dottie, before the family settled in West Smithfield in the early 1970s.

From an early age, Curt had a remarkable gift for technology. At just 13 years old, he earned his Ham radio license, marking the beginning of a lifelong love for electronics, communication, and innovation. He attended Smithfield-Selma Senior High—fondly known as “Triple S”—and worked alongside his father in the family business while saving up for his prized Pontiac Firebird. Around this time, he also developed an early fascination with computers, which would shape much of his professional life.

Curt studied at North Carolina State University and remained a proud and loyal Wolfpack fan throughout his life. He began his career at RJ Reynolds, launching a decades-long path in industrial engineering with a focus on energy efficiency. Over the years, Curt designed and implemented hundreds of energy-saving projects for businesses, schools, and government agencies. He capped off his career as a respected energy consultant at Fort Bragg, where his work continued to make a measurable difference.

Curt was well known in the amateur radio community under the call sign W4CP. He was an active and enthusiastic member of both the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society (RARS) and the Johnston Amateur Radio Society (JARS), always eager to connect, mentor, and troubleshoot. His passing marks the loss of a Silent Key, a term of honor for amateur radio operators who are no longer with us. To all those listening: W4CP has signed off. 73, Curt.

Curt was a lifelong member of Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Smithfield, North Carolina, where his quiet faith and strong sense of community shaped much of his life. He also had a deep and abiding love for music—especially the golden age of rock and roll. From Buddy Holly to The Beach Boys, the sounds of the 1950s and 60s were the soundtrack of his life. He found joy in classic television, particularly The Andy Griffith Show, and had a special love for animals throughout his life.

Curt never married, but his family was the center of his world. He is survived by his sister, Dottie Phillips Buster; her husband, Dave Buster; his beloved nieces, Sarah Buster Joyner and Karen Buster McEwen, along with their families; and his cherished great-niece, Emily Phillips Joyner. Curt loved his family deeply, and his nieces and great-niece brought him great pride and joy.

Curt will be remembered for his brilliant mind, generous heart, dry wit, and unwavering devotion to the people, animals, and passions that filled his life. His voice will echo on through the radio waves and in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Jeremiah Boles and the team at the UNC Cancer Center who provided wonderful treatment over the last 2 years. They would also like to express special thanks to Phil Massengill and Ann Parrish for the compassionate care they provided to Curt during his final days, as well as the strong support from Transitions LifeCare team in Johnston County.

Funeral service to remember Curt will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00pm, at Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Smithfield. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unity Free Will Baptist Church, 104 Langdon Ave, Smithfield, NC 27577. Online condolences can be made at www.parrishfh.com.