By Jessica Harwell

I have had the opportunity to meet many great men and women in my lifetime, but none have affected me as profoundly as Tim Phillips. From the beginning of my employment with The EAGLE, he has shown me time and time again what it means to be a true leader and a great friend. Through Tim’s daily examples of generosity and kindness, he has made me realize the type of person that I want to be. I can never repay him for the guidance and love that he has offered.

When someone is down and needs a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, Tim is always there. He is generous almost to a fault, putting the needs of others before his own many times. Every employee who has ever had the pleasure of working for Tim knows that he would give you the shirt off his back if he saw that you needed it, whether you asked for it or not. In a world full of corporate greed and people who abuse and neglect each other daily, we should all strive to be a Tim Phillips.

There is a distinct difference between being “the boss” and being a leader. Tim is a leader, and he will be greatly missed at The Oxford EAGLE.  Whether he is coming up with silly nicknames, belting out “Jingle Bells” at the karaoke Christmas party, or letting us know how much he appreciates our hard work, he can always manage to put a smile on our faces. The newspaper business is not always easy. There are constant deadlines and last-minute changes. Tim always strives to make the daily process as seamless as possible. I consider it a pleasure to come to work every day and strive for excellence because Tim deserves just that.

Tim, I truly cannot thank you enough — for your guidance, your friendship, and for the inspiration to offer the same level of respect to everyone I meet. While I know that our friendship will continue, it pains me to know that I won’t get to experience working with you every day.

I know that you have so much more to offer the Oxford and Lafayette County community, and I’m excited to watch you excel in this next chapter. The shoes that you are leaving will be hard to fill. You and your family are so special to me, and I hope that life brings you the same happiness and fulfillment that you have brought into The Oxford EAGLE for 35 years.

Jessica Harwell is the office manager for The Oxford EAGLE. Contact her at jessica.harwell@oxfordeagle.com.