Phillip F. Trees, former owner of the AlyKat, passed into eternity on July 30, 2015. He was born on Aug. 17, 1937 in Springfield, Illinois to Wilbur and Margaret Trees, who were tragically killed in a car accident when he was very young. Phil was then raised by his grandparents.
On Nov. 24, 1965, in Potomac, Illinois, he married Margaret Ash. After graduation from the University of Illinois, Phil worked for All-Steel Equipment in Aurora, Illinois for five years. In 1971 he and Margaret moved to Wheaton, Illinois to own and manage a Dunkin Donut. They remained there with their two boys until 1977, when they moved to Hendersonville, NC to own and operate the Alykat Sandwich Shop. For the next 20 years they had the great experience of employing many wonderful people, many of whom were taking their very first job. After retiring from Alykat, Phil went on to work for Parts Unlimited and remained with them for five years.
Phil loved singing and spent many years singing in church choirs, the last being First Baptist of Hendersonville. He also performed in many plays down through the years, including ìFiddler on the Roof.î Phil served his country honorably in the Naval Reserve for over 10 years.
Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret; sons, Phillip (Amy) and Paul (Meghan); grandchildren, Nathan, Brie, Elijah, Charis and Ronen; sister, Janet Elkins of Charleston and several nieces and nephews.
Phil was a family man first and foremost. He loved the Lord and loved to sing his praises. He was so very proud of his two sons and all of his grandchildren. Phil loved nothing better than spending time with all of them. He will be truly missed by his wife and children, but his laugh will never be forgotten by all who knew him.
There will be a celebration of life memorial service held at 2pm on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC. The Reverend Wally Shamburger will officiate. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Burial has taken place privately with family in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimerís Association.
Margaret,Phillip, and Paul, I am so sorry to learn about Phillip’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. Every time I saw Phillip, he was always smiling. He had the greatest personality and I always enjoyed talking to him. He made everyone feel welcome at the Alycat and he took time to talk to everyone. My life was blessed to have known him as I am sure so many other lives were too. May God bless and comfort you during this time and may all your happy memories of him comfort you.
Margaret and family ~ My heart goes out to each of you in Phil’s Homegoing! He was such a Godly man and such a blessing to me. I will never forget his help in Sunday School back in the days when I was teaching at First Baptist in the Children’s Division. My heartfelt thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to each of you. What a blessing to know we will see him again one day “when we all get to Heaven … what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory”. In His Love, Alton
Our deepest condolences to Phillip’s family. He gave our daughter her first job and was a real gift to the community.
I worked for Phil at the Alykat on Asheville Highway. I remember him singing in The Messiah at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC. He was such a wonderful man and it was a pleasure to work for him. I know he will be missed very much. My condolences to the family and his loved ones.
Phil was such a wonderful person. I had such a great time working with him at Alykat. Praying for you Margaret, Phillip, Paul and family!!
Phillip was a kind man who was a great example for us all. Our hearts and prayers go out to Margaret and her family. Thank you for everything you have done for us.
Phil was a sweet man! He was such a hard worker and wonderful boss. I know that he will be missed by his family. Prayers for you Margaret, Phillip, Paul and family. Love, Cheryl
Dear Margaret – My sister Cathy Sigmon and I, along with our late mother, Dot Buchan, enjoyed many a delicious Aly-Kat sub with you and Mr. Trees, and we came to love you both very much. Thank you so much for your friendship and your gracious hospitality down thru the years! Please know that you and your dear sons are in our hearts and our prayers at this sad time. Special love to you from Linda Harney