Dwight “Mike” Phoenix, 72, of Walton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, with his loving family by his side.
Born on April 25, 1949 in Walton, he was the son of the late Colonel and Agnes (Tweedie) Phoenix.
He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Rose Underwood, on July 5, 1969 in Walton. She predeceased him in October of 2006 after 37 wonderful years of marriage.
He and rose married and settled down right out of high school in their hometown of Walton, on his family’s land on Loomis Brook. He enjoyed horses; he and his wife even had a small farm of horses for many years. They took their horses each year to the Delaware County Fair to show them as a family. He worked as a farmer, bus driver for Office For the Aging, at S.J. Bailey & Sons in Walton and as a truck driver for various companies. He was a tractor trailer driver for over 35 years traveling far and wide with his shipments. He even won an award for 1 million accident free miles. After many years in the industry, he retired in 2015.
He was known for his enthusiasm for classic cars, especially his well-known ’67 Chevelle and his love of horses. He loved taking long walks on the beach in Chincoteague, Va. with Rose.
He is survived by his loving three daughters and son, Tammy Phoenix (Don Breen), Raquel Phoenix, Michelle (Shawn) Darling and Michael (Kelly) Phoenix; ten grandchildren - Spencer Gransbury, Natasha (Jeremy) Parkinson, Kyle (Dallas) Doig, Grace Doig, Leah Ferguson, Alyssa Ferguson, Karson Phoenix, Amelia Darling, Paizlee Darling and Maycie Darling; two great-grandchildren, Rosalena Parkinson and Elizabeth Doig; three sisters, Dodie, Deana and Wilma; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. The funeral service to celebrate Mike’s life will take place immediately following at the funeral home at 1 with Pastor Nate Watkins officiating. Services will conclude with a time of remembrance and refreshments at the First Baptist Church in Walton. Burial will be at the Walton Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Helios Care for helping make his final days comfortable and the First Baptist Church for their generosity.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Mike’s memory to Cornell Cooperative Extension, in care of the 4-H Horse Program; 34570 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY 13782.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message for Mike’s family, visit his online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com.
