Stephen Phillips

Captain Stephen Michael Phillips age 71, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Stephen was born on July 6, 1954 in Elkins, WV. Stephen was the second son of Sterling and Kathryn Phillips. From a young age he displayed a fascination and obsession with the sea and all vessels afloat.

A graduate of Waukesha, WI High School with honors he received an appointment by the Honorable Glenn Davis of Wisconsin to the United States Merchant Marine Academy of Kings Point, NY. He graduated from the USMMA in 1976 with honors and a dual degree. He then embarked on an adventure of life on the high seas.

Following 18 years at sea with Reynolds Aluminum and Hvide Shipping and having advanced his USCG licenses to Master of Steam and Motor Vessels upon Oceans and Second Assistant Engineer of Steam Vessels, Captain Phillips became a partner in the Wilmington-Cape Fear Pilots Association in 1994.

Retiring in 2023, he settled into a life of travel and recreation with his wife of 39 years Elizabeth (Betsy) Nordblom Phillips. His life ashore with the love of his life was never dull or uninteresting. With a deep appreciation of God’s world and gifts, he lived every day with gratitude and humility.

He was preceded in death by parents, Sterling and Kathryn Phillips, and a brother, David.
Captain Phillips is survived by his wife and three children Christopher, Craig, and Nathaniel; daughter-in-law, LaTreese; grandchildren, Shayla and Christian; his sister-in-law, Betty; his niece and nephews, Casey, Joe and Jason, and members of the YMCA and his pickleball friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 320 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560. A reception will follow at his home, 215 Ticino Court, New Bern, NC 28562.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Stephen Michael Phillips.