Phillip Allen Bannow (March 11, 1958 – February 11, 2026) made his grand exit at the age of 67 in Wilmington, NC, just one month shy of his birthday. Born amid the blooming possibilities of Cassopolis, MI, Phil carved a colorful life.
A professor by trade at Cape Fear Community College for nearly 15 years, Phil was known for conducting lectures that fused physics with the occasional punchline. His students learned more than just science and math—many left knowing meticulous trivia, thanks to Phil’s penchant for dispensing fascinating facts.
Phil was an artist once upon a time with both pencils and paintbrushes. Though academia claimed his work life, his weekends were often devoted to time spent with his beloved wife Julie and children.Phil’s chess prowess was an outlet for his strategic genius. He was also an avid Science Fiction, Marvel, and DC Comics fan. Through the years, Phil kept collected evidence of his youth—namely in the form of collectible toys that ignited nostalgia faster than one could say “action figure.” In his younger years, he and Julie, journeyed far and wide often visiting Julie’s many relatives. Phil held reserved seating for British mysteries, often enjoyed with Julie snuggled close or watching nature documentaries, Sci-Fi, as dinosaurs roam, with his son Eric.
He greatly enjoyed listening to Pop & Soft Rock music from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He also loved James Bond and would sometimes fall asleep to the soundtrack of film theme songs.
Phil majored with a double bachelor’s degree in physics and Math from Western Michigan University and obtained a Master of Accountancy at UNC – Wilmington.
Left to reminisce about his remarkable life are his cherished wife Julie, along with Eric and Grayse Bannow, their two adopted children of his late brother Jack Bannow.
Services will be held at Wrightsboro Methodist Church Sunday February 15, 2026, with Visitation at 1:30 PM and a Memorial Service following at 2:30PM.
Phil now joins the esteemed ranks of the cosmic professors beyond, Live Long and Prosper.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel, 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington
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