Phillip Edward Nix

WEAVERVILLE - Phillip Edward Nix passed away from complications in his 4 1/2 year battle with ALS on September 23, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 24, 1955, in Okinawa.

Phillip is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Virginia Nix; he is also preceded in death by an infant brother, Steven. He is survived by a sister, Debra Bodkin (Frank) of Lexington, KY. He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Karen Pataky Nix; two children, Andrew Phillip Nix of Weaverville, and Jessica Marie Nix Purcell (Matthew) of Arden; and one grandson, Jackson Taylor Purcell.

Phil and Karen were married in Asheville in 1974 after Phil completed basic training in the Air Force. He continued training and working in Avionics Sensors Systems at bases in Denver, Colorado, Tucson, Arizona, and Sumter, South Carolina.

After his discharge from the military, he attended and graduated from UNCA in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He spent many years that followed working at his dad’s machinery and steel fabrication company, Brisco, Inc. in Swannanoa as purchasing manager. Phil continued his successful career in sales for the next 37 years until he had to retire due to his illness.

Phil enjoyed sports cars, boats, sailing trips, and he obtained a private pilot’s license flying his Cessna 172. He acted as his own contractor, building three homes for his family.

Among his finest attributes was his dedication to his parents whom he helped and cared for for many years.

Phil and Karen enjoyed hiking, traveling, and camping at their favorite destination, Edisto Island State Park, South Carolina.

Phil was an animal lover, first for cats, and then later had a devotion to their beloved St. Bernard dogs, Franklin, Winston, and Oliver.

He will be forever loved and missed by his steadfast wife, his children, and many relatives and friends. He will be remembered by his grandson, Jackson, who lovingly called Phil, Paw Paw.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at West Funeral Home in Weaverville for an informal gathering with remembrances at 4:00 p.m.  A private family burial is planned at Lewis Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America or the ALS Foundation.

The family would like to sincerely thank the following caregivers who were so important in managing his disease: the Home Based Primary Care Team at Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville, Maxim Healthcare Services, and MediHome Hospice in Avery County.