Augustus "Gus" Iverson McPhail

Cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Augustus "Gus" Iverson McPhail (Gus), 76, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at UNC Health Hillsborough following a lengthy hospitalization. Known by all as a stubborn and determined gentleman, a friend to everyone he met, and a quiet example of strength in the face of adversity, Gus was a true survivor.

He was born in Fort Jackson, SC, on February 20, 1949, to the late Quincy Elbert and Margaret Hamilton McPhail. Gus was a 1968 graduate of Fayetteville High School and proudly wore his high school class ring until the day of his death as his unwavering sign of Bulldog Pride. He met and married the absolute love of his life, Linda Jo Williams, in 1969, and the two shared a beautiful life of love and happiness.

Gus was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Linda Williams McPhail; his parents, Quincy and Margaret McPhail; his sister, Barbara Jo Teller; and his brother, Robert Quincy McPhail.

Family was everything to Gus, and that was evident in all he did. He loved days surrounded by his family, making memories and sharing laughs. Gus is survived by his daughter, Michelle Raub and husband Tom of Roanoke, VA; his son, Jeffrey McPhail and wife Sarah of Fayetteville, NC; eight grandchildren, Mackenzie and Katie Raub, Aidan, Addison, Brionna, and Molly McPhail, Riley Senger, and Aaron Cassella; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Peyton Bonner; two sisters, Kathy McPhail Degarmo and Gail McPhail Bowden (Bill); one brother, Bill McPhail; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Gus was a jack of all trades and quickly picked up tasks and projects with ease. He was a whiz with numbers in all capacities. He would also proudly recall his days delivering newspapers, working at McDonald’s when hamburgers were $0.10, and delivering flowers for a local florist. Most of Gus’ professional career was spent with the Kelly Springfield Tire Company, a division of Goodyear Tires.

Growing up in a military family, he lived in many places throughout his life before the family decided to make Fayetteville home. Of all the locations his family lived, Gus’ favorite was Alaska, and he often spoke of the wonderful memories made while living there.

Family, friends, fishing, baseball, the beach, beach music, reading, word search puzzles, game shows, and going out to eat were some of Gus’ favorite things. Going out to eat was such a social part of his life, and anytime he walked into his regular spots, everyone would greet him with smiles and hugs. He had such a presence about him, and people remembered him and cherished their time with him.

Visitation services will be at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street.

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