Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Maury receiveda football scholarship to theUniversityofChattanooga. During his two years there, he met his future wife; they married in 1959 and moved back to Memphis. Because Maury was in the Army reserves, he was called to active duty from 1961-1962. He served state-side and was ranked as Sp5. He was selected to drive a two and one-half ton truck, driving other service men to their destinations. Following his service, Maury was employed at Kellogg Cereal Plant and worked in various positions there for 38 years. During this time, Maury and his wife had two sons, Barry and Brad. Barry is deceased, and Maury also lost his wife in 1995 to Parkinson’s disease. After several years of being single, Barbara was content with life. She had started attending a Singles Bible Class at a former church. To bring her up-to-date on other members, it was mentioned that Maury Phillips was looking for a wife. Barbara announced, “Well, he shouldn’t look at me because I am definitely not looking for a husband!” However, Maury remembers, “When Barbara walked into class that first time I knew that she was the one for me!” So, with Maury in pursuit, and with both attending Bible classes and church activities, their friendship grew and dating began with Sunday dinners and church outings. Gradually, they became friends, and although Cupids bow had been aimed by Maury for sometime, it took Barbara longer to allow the arrow to enter her heart. Following a lengthy courtship, Barbara and Maury were married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee in September 2002. They were greeted by seven of Barbara’s cousins, their spouses and Barbara’s sister. The wedding took place in the “Heart of Gold Wedding Chapel.” “The little chapel was completely full,” remembers Barbara. Maury had already retired and encouraged Barbara to do likewise so they could travel–and travel they did! They could construct a travel log from the several cruises to Hawaii and Alaska, bus tours and road trips they enjoyed. In 2012, Barbara traveledwith her sister and friends on an educational trip to Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii. Barbara says that they visited all of the historical venues of each country, plus they all took a mud bath in “Hell’s Gate” in New Zealand. “It was supposed to be good for the skin and make us look younger!” recalls Barbara. “I’m not sure I stayed in the bath long enough!” In 2022, Barbara and Maury decided to move to Kirby Pines. In addition to church activities at Collierville Church of Christ, they have become involved with many of the activities at Kirby Pines. Maury says, “We are both fans of bowling and bowled in two leagues until we moved to Kirby. With all the activities here, we now only bowl in one.” Both enjoy Bingo night. Barbara joined the Line Dancers, plays Mexican Train, participates in the Theater Group and is currently a Wing Leader. Barbara says, “We have so much fun here. Maury and I wonder why we waited so long, and wish that we had moved here sooner!” Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines The Pinecone | February 2026 • 7 • Both Barbara and Maury Phillips had successful first marriages with children but lost their spouses to illnesses. For several years they were single; but as mature adults, they found each other, and Cupid’s bow struck once again. Sometimes, love is just as sweet the second time around. They have been happily married for 23 years. However, they had fulfilling lives before they met: Barbara Smith was born in Walnut, Mississippi, and lived there until graduation from high school. She was the fifth daughter in the family and nine years younger than the previous one. She excelled in school, belonged to the Beta Club, performed in plays, was a class officer and played basketball for four years. It is not surprising that she was voted “Best All-Around” her senior year. Following graduation in 1958, Barbara moved to Memphis and enrolled in Miller-Hawkins Business School. Her first job was with an insurance companywhere shemet her first husband. Their first child,Allen, was born in 1960. He was followed in 1963 by a sister, Cathy. Shortly after Cathy’s birth, Barbara returned to work, choosing International Harvester for the next 12 years. Following her years there, Barbara became employed at True Temper Sports for 23 years, serving as Executive Secretary to three different presidents of the company. While the childrenwere in grade school, the familymoved toGermantown where they had some acreage and owned quarter horses. The children rode in Western Horse Shows until they were grown. As grownups, the children became parents, and currently, Barbara is a great-grandmother of four! Sadly, her husband passed away early in 1998 from a stroke, ending a 37 year marriage. Maury Phillips has the distinction of being born and raised in Memphis. His parents owned a dry cleaning business, so Maury was helping out on weekends and summers from the time he was in the fourth grade. He and his two younger sisters had an unusual problem. How do you live with Santa Claus all year long? Yes, their father was the Santa Claus at Sears Crosstown from 1952-1972. Maury attended elementary school at Mallory Heights and made “All Memphis Peewee Football” in seventh and eighth grades. Enrolled in Southside High School, he also excelled in sports and was named “Coaches All Memphis Defensive Tackle” and was the Heavy Weight Wrestling Champion. LOVE: THE 2ND TIME AROUND Resident Spotlight: Maury & Barbara Phillips Wedding Day 2002