Our Staff

Paul Phillips

Paul Phillips is the owner of the funeral home. He joined the firm in November 2006 and has over 25 years experience in funeral service. He received his BS in Business Administration from Appalachian State University in 1992 and an Associate Degree in Funeral Service from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 1997. He is a member of Lillington Presbyterian Church, Lillington Kiwanis Club and served as a Lillington Town Commissioner for nine years. He and his wife Jennifer live in Lillington and have two children.

Joel E. Branch

Joel E. Branch is a native of the Swift Creek Community of Raleigh, NC.  He is married to Amy Herring Branch and together they have three daughters, Sarah, Lydia, and Anna Grace.  Joel is a graduate of Athens Drive High School (Class of 1990), Campbell University (BBA), and Fayetteville Technical Community College (AAS).  He is a veteran of the US Army and the NC Army National Guard.  Joel has over 22 years of experience in funeral service and appreciates the opportunity to serve Lillington and the surrounding communities of Harnett County.

C. David Thomas

Pre Planning Director

A third generation funeral director and embalmer, David obtained his Funeral Service License in NC in 2001 and has served families throughout North and South Carolina. He resides in Lillington with his wife Christy and their twins Landon and Mackenzie and they attend Liberty Church in Spring Lake. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, taking cruises, and spending time with his family.

Timothy Johnson

Timothy is a caring and professional funeral assistant. He is here to assist staff and families as they honor the life of their loved ones. Timothy is a life long resident of Lillington and a member of Neills Creek Baptist Church. He and his wife Denise have one daughter and four grandsons.

Leslie Clarke

Leslie joined the firm in June of 2015 as the office manager. Leslie is originally from Oklahoma but now calls Mamers, NC her home. She and her husband Bruce have four children and are members at Woodside United Methodist Church.

Jim Edwards

Jim has served as a Funeral Assistant with O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips since 2010 after his retirement with the State of North Carolina. He graduated from Central Carolina Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Jim enjoys ministering to others through various mission opportunities in and around our community. Jim and his wife Brenda have one daughter and reside in Angier.

Logan Johnson

Logan Johnson joined our firm in August of 2020, as a caring funeral assistant.  He is here to assist staff in anyway possible and to help families honor their loved ones last wishes.  Logan was born in Cary, NC, but was raised in his hometown of Mamers, NC and a graduate of Western Harnett High School.   For the past three and a half years he has been a volunteer firefighter at the Boone Trail Fire Department.  He loves spending time with family, friends and helping others when he can.  

Ron Hise

Ron has served as a Funeral Assistant with the firm since August 2015 after his retirement and moving here from Indiana. 

Matthew Brown

Matthew Brown joined our firm in December of 2016 as a funeral assistant and in November of 2017 became the Manager of Josephine's Flowers and Gifts.  In 2019, Matt became the owner/operator of The Flower Pot in Lillington.  He is a native of Lillington and calls Summerville Presbyterian his home Church. He has a background in design and customer service. His interests include spending time with family, trips to the coast, gardening and golf.

Jamie P. Arnold

Jamie P. Arnold, the daughter of Cecil and Kay Peebles, manages the firm's in-house accounting operations. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from NC State University in 2004. In 2007 Jamie and her husband David were married. They currently live in Holly Springs and have two children.

Cecil & Kay Peebles

Cecil and Kay Peebles, the daughter and son-in-law of Selwyn O'Quinn retired in 2014 after 25 years of managing the funeral home. They both received their undergraduate degrees from East Carolina University and their Mortuary degrees from Fayetteville Technical Community College. They continue to work at the funeral home in various capacities.

Mr. Selwyn O'Quinn

Mr. Selwyn O'Quinn, the son of Mr. R.B. O'Quinn, entered his father's business in 1946 after serving his country in World War II. He graduated from Gupton-Jones Mortuary School in Nashville, Tennessee. He was able to build his father's business through excellent service and love for the public. He also operated the ambulance service for southwestern Harnett County until 1981. Mr. O'Quinn passed away on September 21, 2012. His love and compassion for funeral service will be missed.

Mr. Redden B. O'Quinn

Mr. Redden B. O'Quinn started the funeral home in 1932, along with partner Melvin McLean, as McLean-O'Quinn Funeral Home. They operated the funeral home out of the back of their men's clothing store. Mr. McLean died in 1946, leaving R.B. to carry on the business. Mr. O'Quinn died in 1977 after a long life of service to his community.