Phillip Eugene Traylor

On Thursday morning, July 11, Phillip Eugene Traylor passed away following a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Just nine months ago he lost his father, Gene Traylor, who had always been a guiding presence in his life.  In 2014 he lost his precious mother-in-law, Helen Pattillo.  Phillip is survived by Maria, his wife of 32 years, and their three sons, Brent (Kaitlyn), Justin (Michaela), and Noah. His three adored grandchildren are Scarlett, Colton, and Eilah Traylor.  

Phillip is also survived by his mother, Betty Traylor, his sister, Tommie Jo (Tim) Griswold, his father-in-law, Al Pattillo (Sue), and his brother-in-law, Rusty Pattillo (Pam).  In addition, Phillip leaves behind much-loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Others who were very important to him include life-long friends, church friends from Opelika First Baptist, current and former coworkers, and special friends who shared his passion for pickleball. 

Phillip was a talented athlete who loved watching and playing sports. He lettered in basketball and baseball at Opelika High School, where he graduated in 1979. He attended Chattahooche Valley Community College on a baseball scholarship.  He was also an avid hunter.  Last October he brought down a ten-point deer with a bow and arrow. It was the largest deer he had ever killed and was included in the Pope and Young State and National Record Book.  

Phillip worked for 23 years at Uniroyal. When the plant closed, he attended Southern Union State Community College and earned an Associate's Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning, which eventually led to his job at Woodruff Property Management. He enjoyed his work there and, especially, the camaraderie of his coworkers. 

Ever the workaholic, Phillip stayed busy even in his spare time.  He worked diligently to maintain hunting land.  He turned downed hardwood into firewood.  He designed and constructed, with his sons’ help, a covered deck in his backyard, complete with a stone fireplace he built himself. The family spent happy hours together on the deck, grilling meat and watching ball games.  They sat underneath a ceiling fan attached to a whimsical wooden Pac Man that Phillip had made from a kitchen counter he had saved while remodeling his late mother-in-law's home.  

Near the deck is a large flower bed Phillip planted in an old fishing boat.  The project was an Easter surprise for Maria. Despite undergoing chemo and managing his illness, Phillp planted a family vegetable garden, as well as a corn and pea patch, behind his mother’s house.  When he was no longer able to work in the garden, he helped string the green beans he had planted and watched grow. 

As Phillip’s life was coming to a close, a veritable parade of friends and relatives came to visit.  He took great comfort from their prayers, love, and affection.  The family is extremely grateful for the many acts of kindness they have beaten shown. Phillip’s life was cut short, but his was a life well-lived.  The world is a better place because he was in it. 

A memorial service for Mr. Traylor will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 16, at First Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama, followed by a graveside service at Garden Hill Cemetery. The services will be led by Rev. Cade Farris. Pall Bearers will include Kenny Harbison, Kerry Harbison, Kelvin Harbison, Casey Slaton, Keith Mitchell, Stewart Mullins, Don Pritchett, and Eddie Walker. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, July 15. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.