Obituary of Nathan M. Phillips, Jr.

Nathan Mitchell Phillips, Jr., a beloved resident of Sicklerville, New Jersey, passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 42. Fondly known as “Nate,” he was born on November 29, 1982, in Stratford, New Jersey. Nate grew up in Atco and spent his adult life in the Sicklerville area, where his vibrant personality, loving heart, and creative spirit touched many lives.

Nate was the cherished firstborn son of the late Nathan Mitchell Phillips, Sr., and Tonya Marie Garlic. His educational journey began in the Winslow Township Elementary School system, where he cultivated early friendships, curiosity, and a strong sense of community. His spiritual roots were nurtured at St. John’s United Methodist Church, where he was a joyful member and an enthusiastic participant in the Y.E.S. youth program.

Nate’s character was further shaped through his involvement in Winslow Township’s little league programs for football and basketball—where he and his teammates, alongside his brothers, earned a reputation as “a force to be reckoned with.” Later, he explored wrestling and football in high school. One milestone that held great meaning to Nate was graduating as part of the final class from the original Edgewood High School, which has since been renamed Winslow Township High School.

Guided by his curiosity and interests, Nate pursued higher education at Camden County College, and later attended Pennco Tech, where he trained in body mechanics, auto body repair, prep work, and painting. These skills launched his early career at Maaco, setting the stage for a lifetime of industrious work and creativity.

Never one to be confined by a single path, Nate was a man of remarkable confidence and innovation. He inspired supervisors to embrace his bold ideas for improving workplace productivity, earning their respect and trust to expand into new roles and responsibilities. His professional journey included mastering a wide range of trades—car detailing, welding, construction, janitorial services, metal grinding, and machine operation. Nate eventually served as a supervisor for machine operation. He concluded his professional career as a forklift operator at Wonderful Citrus in Gloucester City, NJ. Wherever he worked, he left a positive and lasting impression.

Nate’s life was fueled by passion and creativity. His “big ideas” extended far beyond the workplace. He found joy in spending quality time with his children, sharing sports, cars, and a mutual love of video games with his son, Nathan. He partnered with his daughter, Nyisa, by encouraging her to launch her own clothing line. His entrepreneurial ventures were car detailing, hair cutting, and more. One of Nate’s proudest personal accomplishments was completing his own original science fiction story—a testament to his imagination and artistic soul.

Preceded in death by his father, Nathan Mitchell Phillips, Sr., Nate now rests in eternal peace.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and laughter that will forever be cherished by: His devoted children: Nyisa Marie Phillips and Nathan Mitchell Phillips III. His step-children: Kylayda and Vershawn, and their mother, Isabell. His loving mother: Tonya Marie Garlic. His brothers: Corey T. Phillips (niece, Naomi Simone) and Andre E. Phillips. His grandfather: Edwin S. Garlic, Sr., his uncle: Edwin S. Garlic, Jr. (Deana). His aunts: Gail Parker (Cecil), Kimberly Major (Marcus) and Aisha Medley. A host of cousins, aunts and uncles, extended family members, and dear friends.

Nate was known for his gregarious personality, his ability to make others laugh, and the way he poured his affections into those he loved. He found purpose in caring for his children and brought joy to everyone blessed to know him.
Nate, you will be deeply missed.

If we reminisce on the memories bestowed by God, times will get easier. These memories have the potential to quiet the wails and pain, quell the sorrow and grief, and quicken our spirits and hearts.

Let us honor Nathan’s legacy by living as he did—boldly, joyfully, and with love that runs deep.