Phillip George Reed

Philip George “Phil” Reed passed away on December 31, 2025, after an intense battle with cancer, surrounded by love and peace. He was born on November 21, 1948. Phil was a gentle, loving man, full of strength, patience, and quiet reliability. He was always quick to lend a hand, and many people came to count on him.

Phil was a chef by trade, working in several restaurants in Carbondale before spending the last 20‑plus years of his career as a chef at Southern Illinois University, where he worked until his retirement. He mentored countless coworkers and younger cooks with calm guidance, high standards, and a dry sense of humor. Many of us relied on Phil for his “chefly” advice and will dearly miss being able to call him to talk through a recipe or a cooking crisis.

After retirement, Phil found purpose and deep friendships through his work with Habitat for Humanity. He gladly contributed his skills on job sites and shared what he knew with other volunteers as they worked to build homes for others. He was a guy everyone could count on to show up, work hard, and make others feel capable.

Phil loved fishing and simply being on the water, content with the quiet and the rhythm of the day. He took great joy in preparing wonderful meals and baking delicious loaves of bread for others. He loved music, especially guitar music, and played guitar for himself. His sense of humor—sometimes dry, sometimes charmingly corny—brought lightness to those around him. Phil was deeply curious and always interested in learning, new projects, and new ideas. We were fortunate to have Phil in our lives.

Phil was an incredible husband and father. Throughout his life, he faced serious challenges related to the illness and care needs of people he loved, and he met those challenges with steadfast love, loyalty, and support. He did not turn away when things were hard; instead, he showed up again and again, offering strength, patience, and care in circumstances that would have overwhelmed a lesser human.

Phil is survived by his wife, Char, and his daughter, Amanda; his brothers, Al (Lynn) and Ken (Becky), and sister Linda; many nieces, nephews, great‑nieces and great‑nephews, and great‑great‑nieces and great‑great‑nephews; and friends who were like family. All of us who loved him will miss his kindness, advice, support, and humor.

Should you wish, donations can be made to Jackson–Union County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1064, Carbondale, IL 62903‑1064. There is also a GoFundMe account, Help Char and Phil with Medical Expenses, that was set up at the beginning of Phil’s battle with cancer.

As is fitting for Phil, there will be a celebration of his life at a later date. It will include good food, good music, good wine, and loved ones. It will be an honor to share memories and celebrate our much‑loved husband, father, family member, and friend.

Ministry of Comfort lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.