Philip Odom Tettleton, a longtime resident of Oxford, Mississippi, and Vero Beach, Florida, died on Monday, May 5, 2025. He entered this world on September 26, 1964 in Gainesville, Florida to Bob and Mary Sue Tettleton and began a life of novelty and excess. Philip’s motto should have been, “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth over doing.” He inhaled life (and far more than his share of cake with buttercream frosting) enjoying the ridiculous antics of others with a quick laugh and an ever present smile. He grew up in Oxford with older brother, Robert and younger brother, John. Many may remember his tap dancing debut with Kathy Ducker Dance School on a Saturday morning broadcast from Memphis complete with top hat and cane or dressing up as Mickey Mouse at his little brother’s birthday party or driving his Mustang (not a cool version but the bad 1980 redesign) around Oxford with the eponymous license plate, POT, and laughing every time he got pulled over. How about all of his selfies long before that was a thing?
After graduating from Oxford High School, Philip attended the University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss, he was a member of TKE fraternity. Ultimately, he transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management. Philip combined his love of people, hospitality, and a good time by starting his career at the Hyatt in New Orleans. If there was ever a place for someone who loved novelty, it’s New Orleans. Philip delighted in the interesting people of the city and the many visitors who came through the hotel doors. After wearing himself out partaking of New Orleans, Philip moved back to Oxford to work at the North Mississippi Regional Center (NMRC) where he worked in client recreation and later staff development. Not only did Philip thrive in the activity and friendships he developed there, so did the clients in his charge as well as the other staff members. Always seeking new experiences and succumbing to the magnetic pull of New Orleans, Philip ventured into hair care by moving back to attend cosmetology school. The bad news for Philip was that New Orleans was still New Orleans. The good news was that his Hair Stylist career took off in Oxford. After years of thinking (and voicing) that he knew what would look best on everyone, he finally had an opportunity to make some real change, one head at a time. Best of all, he could run his mouth and hear the latest gossip while being paid. It was the perfect job to see him to the end of his work life. After his return to Oxford, Philip joined a 12 step program and, like everything he did, he gave it his all. He worked the program for himself and then became a Sponsor to others and friend to all, a man who always gave of himself to anyone in need no matter the situation. Philip and his retired racing greyhound, Kip, became a fixture on their walks around Oxford. He was a favorite uncle who created memories for his nieces and nephew with capers that parents would discourage – did anyone happen to find the hushpuppies left behind in the hands of William Faulkner on the Square in 2006? Anyone who knew Philip understood that his love of the next thing transcended his work to also include his wardrobe. Who could forget his Western Wear phase, complete with the giant belt buckle (with mother of pearl inlay on the handles of the tiny guns) made by none other than the same Mississippi artist who made buckles for Elvis?
Just when we thought we had seen it all, Philip met Katherine and he was off on his greatest and longest adventure. Unbeknownst to the congregation ahead of time, they married during the middle of a typical Sunday church service at Oxford University United Methodist Church, where Philip was a lifelong member. The minister joked about all the “Fathers of the Brides” in the congregation that shelled out for huge weddings that could have saved a mint by having it on Sunday morning. Thus began a 17-year marriage that started in Oxford and settled in Vero Beach after retirement. Philip loved to travel. From childhood travels to Europe with his family to many trips with Katherine and his mom. “Travels with Sue” spanned from Caribbean cruises to a three week trip to South Korea for his stepdaughter’s wedding. No one will forget a very special Christmas Eve service at the Flora-Bama. The life Philip (Phil) and Katherine (Kat) crafted in Florida suited them to a T with the calm of the ocean and the warmth of the breeze to help them unwind from years of working. Needing a service animal to his assist with his disability, Philip worked with Dogs for Life, Inc., a training organization for service dogs for veterans and others in need, to find his perfect match. Sully is as outgoing and personable as Philip. He and Sully quickly became inseparable. As their working relationship deepened, their friendship grew and so did their service to others. Visits to service members, first responders, fire halls, and police stations provided comfort to those on the front lines. Their presence at many fundraisers helped raise awareness of the need for service animals and the special assistance they provide our service members. The dynamic duo began training a new group of puppies, letting them learn from Sully himself on how to be a working dog. Philip was honored as Volunteer of the Year for Dogs for Life to recognize his time and commitment to the organization and their worthy cause and was honored to serve on their board. When not training, you could often find them on long walks, at the beach, the gym or a 12 step meeting or just being together watching birds and finding peace in the comfort of home with Katherine.
Philip is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Sue, and his niece, Rebekah Tettleton. He is survived by his wife, Katherine, stepson, Larry Bailey (Rosângela) and step grandson, Ruan of Port St. Lucie, FL, stepdaughter Candice Bailey (SeungMin Lee) and fur grandbaby, Mandu of Athens, GA, brothers Robert (Kerri) Tettleton of Oxford, and John (Anna) Tettleton of Nashville, nieces Elizabeth (Scott) Tettleton Mason and Rachel Tettleton of Oxford, Saylor Tettleton of Frankfurt, Germany, and Maeve Tettleton of Nashville and one nephew, Gray Tettleton of Missoula, MT. Last, but certainly not least, he is survived by his beloved Service Dog, Sully’s Silver Star, and the ever sweet poodle, Angel Whip.
The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to the healthcare professionals for providing care and support for Philip, his 12 step program sponsor and home group, and the staff of Dogs for Life, Inc. for including Philip in their program and their ongoing nurturing and encouragement.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dogs for Life, Inc., Vero Beach, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.
