Phyllip Gillespie Obituary (1978 - 2020)

Behind a million smiles, you can hide your darkest pain. Phyllip Paul Gillespie age 42 passed away the night of August 25, 2020. A blond hair, blue-eyed, little firecracker was born on the 4th of July 1978 to Bonnie Reese and Glen Gillespie in St. George Utah. Phyl was raised together with his only brother Robby in Enoch and Paragonah. Phyl married Nichole Syndergaard and had 3 children Morrigan Kelly, Peter Thomas, and Rianna MacKynzie they later divorced. In June 2012 he met the absolute love of his life Candy Judd and after a 5-year courtship, they married July 24, 2017, and joined families with Candy's children Elena, Morgan, and Rene. They began building a beautiful life together in Paragonah, Utah. Phyl attended Southwest Applied Technology in 2001 where he became an electrician and used that knowledge for years to help family members and friends with some home improvements. He was currently employed at Robison Rental where he enjoyed working with his uncle Larry and family and was learning small engine mechanics. He was a great asset to a small family business and will be greatly missed. Phyl had a passion for knives and had quite the collection that he was proud to share with everyone and you could see the excitement in his eyes as he talked about them and making sure they were always in perfect condition and sharp. Another passion he had was for plants, rocks, and anything outdoors which included fishing, camping, and hiking. He learned to love fishing from his Grandpa Paul. He was the happiest when he was out in nature rather that was in his yard or up the mountains hiking and found it to be healing. He would be considered a child of nature. Phyl was a philosopher and was known for his deep, very deep conversations and love for knowledge, especially science. This passion for knowledge started at a young age. In high school, some of his friends called him “Phyl Nye The Science Guy”. In his spare time, he would research to further his knowledge and for entertainment. If you ever needed information on a specific topic, he was the person to go talk with and you would leave having a greater understanding or completely confused due to his in-depth knowledge. He never did things partially, it was researched, planned, and then put to work. He was a very hard worker rather at his job or in his home and yard. Phyl spent a great deal of time in the yard gardening and was excited for the yard and home he was creating with Candy. They would walk the yard together every night holding hands as they walked looking and admiring each new leaf on the plants knowing they were successful. Then kneeling together Phyl would go into depth on the knowledge he had on each plant, tree, or bush. Building and dreaming of the self-sufficient garden and yard they would create together. For day dates they would go mushroom hunting in the mountains being excited to see what they could find and create back at home in the kitchen. This was a @great passion for them both. Phyl is survived by his Wife Candy Judd Gillespie, Paragonah, Children Morrigan (Aaron), Cedar City, Peter (Courtney), Cedar City, Rianna, Cedar City, Elena, West Valley City, Morgan, Cheyenne WY, Rene, Cheyenne WY. Parents, Bonnie Reese, Paragonah, Glen Gillespie, Price, Brother Robby (Kenzie) Brown, Paragonah, Grandchildren Annika and Roman, Grandmother Audria Elmore, Grandfather Roger Reese, Nieces, Nephew, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Proceeded in death by Grandparents, Paul Elmore, Phyllis Chase, Charles Chase, Darryl Gillespie, Nita LaRue Stewart, Aunt Nina Kunz, Uncles Allen, and Andy Reese. It is never goodbye it’s only we will see you later, for we will forever have you in a tender spot in our hearts. Arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com.