Philip Alan "Phil" Osborn

Philip Alan Osborn, known simply by the name of “Phil”, died peacefully on February 16, 2018 at the Hospice House in Greenwood, SC. Lulu, his dog and best friend, was close when he passed from this life to the next. She was the love of his life, as they have worked side by side in downtown Memphis as carriage driver and co-pilot for the past four years. The horse and carriage community lost a champion for their family.

Phil is the son of two wonderful parents, Paul and Minnie Osborn, who preceded him in death. Phil graduated from Harding Academy in 1982 where he sang in the A Cappella Chorus. He also ran on the track team and set records! His greatest record in life was his ability to be easy going. Not one who sought to impress, his humility was a light that shined throughout his life. Phil never met a stranger, and was friendly and kind to everyone he encountered. He used that easy going spirit on every tour of downtown Memphis he conducted. He was passionate about his Memphis heritage and knowledge of his beloved hometown.

Phil shared his birthday of March 14th with Albert Einstein. We are all confident that Phil could beat Einstein in a trivia game, especially if questions were asked about The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, Gunsmoke, Leave It To Beaver, Gilligan’s Island, Bonanza and many more shows that Phil enjoyed. His knowledge of the great Clampett family was second to none.

Phil had a special gift with animals. They shared kindred spirits. He was an expert horse caretaker and a father to many dogs along his journey. Some of those lucky kids were Redneck, Cupid, Frosty, Jude, Caesar, Macduff and of course his precious Lulu. His horses adored him and truly cherished his careful affection, except for when he had to tell them to hurry it up crossing a busy downtown Memphis street.

A lover of music, Phil had a passion for rock and roll. He climbed the stairway to heaven often during his 54 years and loved Zed Zeppelin and Ozzie. He had a beautiful deep voice and could sing with the best of them!

His siblings, David Osborn, Janie Wiltshire and Paula Farr, are especially grateful to those who lovingly cared for Phil at the Hospice House with us in his last days.  Phil leaves his 2 nieces, 2 nephews and a great-niece far too soon. Erica, Cassie, Blake, Campbell and Brighty Grace will miss their Uncle Big Hair.

Friends are invited to a service honoring Phil’s life on Saturday, March 10, 2018, in Memphis, Tennessee.  It will be at 3:00 pm in the River Room at the Crowne Plaza at 300 North Second Street.

Memorials may be made in Phil’s memory to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the animal rescue charity of one's choice.

Family and friends in Abbeville will be at the home of Janie Wiltshire.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Abbeville is assisting the family.

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