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.

Amy Branch

Funeral Director

Amy Branch grew up in Knightdale, NC and is a graduate of Meredith College and Fayetteville Technical Community College.  She taught at Cape Fear Christian Academy for several years before taking the opportunity to homeschool their 3 daughters.  It was during this time, she pursued her goal of becoming a licensed funeral director.  Amy and her husband, Joel reside in Lillington with their daughter, Anna Grace.  Amy looks forward to assisting the families of Harnett County as they celebrate and honor the lives of their loved ones.

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.

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 enjoy spending time outside, camping, hiking or just enjoying nature.  

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.  He has been a volunteer firefighter at the Boone Trail Fire Department since 2017.  He loves spending time with family, friends and helping others when he can.  

Melissa Wells

Funeral Assistant

Melissa Wells was born and raised in Dunn, North Carolina.  She joined the firm in January of 2026 and brings nearly two years of experience in the funeral industry.  Melissa is dedicated to serving families with dignity, compassion and a welcoming presence, ensuring each family feels supported and cared for during their time of need.  

Matthew Brown

Matthew Brown joined our firm in December of 2016 as a funeral assistant. He is a native of Lillington and calls Summerville Presbyterian his home Church. He has a background in design and customer service. He is the owner of Fulton Farms in Lillington. His interests include spending time with family, trips to the coast, gardening and golf. 

Beth Byrd

Beth joined our staff in March of 2022, after retiring from a career in human services with both Sampson and Harnett counties.  Beth remains active in her community serving in different capacities at Bunnlevel Presbyterian Church, Bunnlevel Ruritan Club and as chaplain with the Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association, 15-6.  Beth and her husband Ernie have one daughter and enjoy riding motorcycles and hiking.  

Randall Johnson

Randall was born in Erwin, NC, raised in Harnett County and is an active member of Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek.  Randall graduated from Wake Technical Institute in Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical and worked for many local contractors, Harnett County School System, NC State University and Campbell University.  While at Campbell Randall was heavily involved in the construction of the new Student Union and at its completion was named Student Union Director.  Randall joined our staff in 2023 as a funeral assistant, after his retirement from Campbell University.    

Rosemary Jones

Funeral Assistant

Rosemary joined the firm in the summer of 2025 as a funeral assistant.  She is a native of Harnett County, resides in Lillington and is honored to be serving her community.  Rosemary is a member of East Sanford Baptist Church.  Rosemary enjoys traveling, especially cruises!

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.