Phillip M. Essey Jr.
CMA Faculty 1968   - 1970
Science & Biology
Mar 20, 1945 - Dec 25, 2015

LAURINBURG — Phillip M. Essey, Jr. was born on March 20, 1945 in Lumberton to the late Phillip M. Essey Sr. and Kathleen Dillard Essey. He spent an idyllic childhood in Maxton, where his parents instilled a love for God, family, and friends.

From his early years, Phil's most cherished dream was to fly. As a teenager, he would venture to the Laurinburg-Maxton airport and hang around, offering to sweep out hangars and wash airplanes in hopes to be offered a ride. Thus, began the close relationships with many seasoned pilots.

In 1968, his dreams of flying came true when he purchased a Super Cub project that many friends spent hours helping him restore in a building in downtown Maxton. Then, in 1973, he purchased a 1941 Stearman, which quickly became his pride and joy.

He later had the Stearman restored, and was honored as the "Best Warbird" at several fly-ins. Over the years, he met some of the great aviators in aviation history.

In 1987, Phil purchased his own grass airstrip in Laurinburg. A few months later, he married his wife, Helen Patricia Essey, who shared his vision for the airstrip: to create a place where aviators of all kinds could meet, learn and share their passion about aviation.

On any given Sunday, different pilots from all over — war veterans, commercial pilots, crop dusters and student pilots — were happy to share their love and interest in aviation at Phil's grass strip.

Another of Phil's hobbies, collecting and restoring John Deere Tractors and hit and miss gas engines, began his many trips to Denton's "Ole Time Thresher Reunion" each year. In general, he was a collector and enthusiast of all things antique. What he loved best, however, was sharing knowledge with his students.

Thanks to his penchant for sharing wisdom, Phil was a teacher for 33 years, teaching both shop and science. He also taught hunting and boating safety for the wildlife department for 20 years. He was a life time member of The Stearman Restorers Association, EAA member, and a member of chapter 242 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was also a finalist for Teacher in Space. Through his love for airplanes, tractors, teaching and wildlife, he made numerous lifelong friends, whom he valued and cherished.

Family was important; he loved his wife Pat Essey, son Alan Townsend, and daughter Elaina Essey, unconditionally.

Phil Essey was a man who lived the epitome of the American dream. He knew that with hard work and good values, he would achieve anything he pursued. He was fortunate to see many of his goals come to fruition, and he inspired others to do the same. It was apparent to anyone who met Phil that he loved people; he consistently found reasons for holding them to high regard. Treating others with the utmost loyalty and respect was something he took to heart.

On Dec. 25, 2015 surrounded by family and loved ones, he left us to be with our heavenly father. He will be greatly missed by those who loved and cherished him and forever in our hearts.

Phil leaves behind his wife Pat Essey of the home, son Alan Townsend and wife Kelly, daughter Elaina Essey, sister Kay Essey Ryan and husband Mike, special aunt Pauline Essey Nofal and his nieces, nephews and many special friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m.on Tuesday at Richard Boles Funeral Service. A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary Catholic Church officiated by the Rev. Fr. JaVan Saxon with committal in Hillside Memorial Park.

The family requests that memorial donations be given in Phil's memory to the Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA Museum, or Young Eagles, P.O. Box 3816, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3816, St. Mary Catholic Church, 800 South Main Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352 or Scotland Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353