Skip McPhail remembered as Gastonia booster, eternal optimist, faithful Wolfpack fan
Skip McPhail never kept a stranger waiting long.
"He'd always just extend his hand to shake and say, 'Hello, I'm Skip McPhail,'" said his sister, Liz McPhail Hyde. "That was just his thing."
Born Richard Vardry McPhail Jr., most everyone called him Skip, a nickname he received as a boy because his father was a commander in the Coast Guard, and one that fit him as well as the red shirts, jackets or sweaters he wore for his beloved N.C. State Wolfpack.
McPhail died Friday, Feb. 24, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He was 78.
"He really didn't want to know how bad it was, but he kept a positive spirit until the end," said his sister.
McPhail was a successful businessman and booster of the city of Gastonia. A lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school and as a member of United Methodist Men founded the group's monthly hot dog lunch.
McPhail boasted that the hot dog lunch, which included chili, slaw and mustard, a package of Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies and potato chips never cost more than $3. And if someone didn't have $3, well, McPhail made sure no one left hungry.
"He wanted to walk the talk," said his sister.
McPhail was also an eternal optimist, his positivity knowing no bounds.
"He would send you a text or message and end it with, 'It's Monday. I hope you have a nice day. Hooray!' We'd always laugh and say, 'Who says that? Who says, 'Hooray?' But that was just Skip," his sister said.
He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Gastonia where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He also liked to play golf. Family and friends say he'd like to play every day if he could. Last year, he shot his age ∸ a 77, something that made him proud. He was a former member of Gaston Country Club, Cramer Mountain Club, Gastonia Municipal Golf Course, as well as former owner of Crowders Mountain Golf Club.
McPhail could also be a bit quirky. As a child he liked to start his morning by playing his trumpet, not something every member of his family appreciated at the time.
"That's a memory for us now," said his sister.
McPhail was a graduate of the former Ashley High School in Gastonia where he played football and N.C. State University where he earned a double major in economics and textile management, played golf, and would remain a staunch Wolfpack fan for his entire life. He was an entrepreneur during his career as former president of Luxury Fabrics and Interiors, owner of McPhail Sales Corp. He also helped in the revitalization of downtown. He served with Faith, Hope, and Love Community Enrichment to help the less fortunate members of the community.
The McPhail family's history with Gastonia dates back to the mid 1800s. His great-great-grandfather, Vardry Long, was a merchant on Main Avenue, and the stretch of N.C. 7 that goes by Long Avenue bears his name. McPhail was quick to say good things about Gastonia and its downtown business community.
McPhail also loved his blended family and would tell them he was glad they could be together. A McPhail family tradition involved a spirited rivalry between the men, who mostly attended N.C. State, and the women, who mostly attended UNC Chapel Hill.
A service to celebrate McPhail's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at First United Methodist Church of Gastonia with the Revs. Justin Lowe, Becky Greene and Dr. Crystal McPhail officiating. Members of the Rotary Club of Gastonia are invited to be honorary pallbearers.
A reception will follow in the Family Life Center, and yes, the United Methodist Men will be serving hot dogs.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 29 years, Donna P. McPhail of Gastonia, children, Richard Vardry “V” McPhail III and wife Wimberly of Atlanta; Kirk McClure Hamilton of Gastonia, NC; Krystal Gray Foy of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Elizabeth “Beth” Rawlings Hall and husband Richard of Mooresville, NC; Commander Crystal Gayle McPhail and husband Sebastian Schaefer of Norfolk, Virginia; Charles Zachary Gray of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; grandchildren, Walker, Phillip, and Hampton McPhail; Scotty, Tommy, and Willie Foy; Anne Rawlings and Nate Hamilton; Laney and Will Hall; one great-granddaughter; sisters, Martha Elaine McPhail of Weaverville, NC; Elizabeth “Liz” McPhail Hyde and husband Marcus of Gastonia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Methodist Men, c/o of First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Gastonia, NC 28053 or to Faith, Hope, and Love Community Enrichment, 602 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. McPhail.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Skip McPhail remembered as city booster, optimist, Wolfpack fan
