Phillip T Turk's Obituary
Turk, Phillip T, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 31, 2024. as the result of a traumatic brain injury caused by a fall.
Phil grew up in Miami, FL. He received a BFA from FSU and went on to be a successful entrepreneur, musician, and artist. He was a man of many interests and ventures, but his most successful was his role as one of the founding partners of Response Mail Express. Phil and his longtime friend and partner, Jorge Villar, had a vision for the company and pursued their goals relentlessly. They experienced remarkable success from its early inception and beyond. Phil was always considered a well-respected leader amongst his team and employees, of which there were many. He and Jorge had a strong belief in treating every one of their employees as they themselves wanted to be treated and consequently were instrumental in changing many lives for the better.
As a musician, Phil was a singer, composer, and guitarist and he came to life whenever he was entertaining a crowd. Phil was also known for his eccentric personality and his fondness for pontificating (on any topic, anywhere and at any time). Everyone who knew him could tell you a quirky Phil story.
Following his retirement in 2003, Phillip successfully pursued his dream of becoming a fine art photographer. The greatest highlight of his career as an artist was meeting Jerry Uelsmann, a renowned artist who greatly influenced Phil’s creative process. Afterwards, when he received a letter from Jerry that described Phil’s work as “beautiful and inspiring”, Phil was truly honored by Jerry’s acknowledgment.
Although he was successful professionally, Phil’s greatest achievement was the life he built with his wife, Tina. While they never had biological children, they were instrumental in raising a niece and nephew that they considered their own. They, and their children, truly brought the greatest of all joy to his life.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Tina, his “rental children” Danielle Sullivan (Derek DeGain) and Patrick Kelley (Isabell) and the “Grands” Dayton and Landon DeGain and Reid Turk and Ava Olivia Kelley, his nephew Travis Shelton and his nieces Vicki Shelton (Shea) and Michelle Mertz (David), along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Buddy, who he loved dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a date that has yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers- please Like, Follow, Subscribe & Share Phil’s self-curated legacy conveniently located on his YouTube Channel: @modernartturk4275. Or, if you prefer, donations in Phil’s memory to the American Kidney Foundation or the Dementia Society of America will be gratefully accepted.
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