Zeppelin Curtis Phillips, 16, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his aunt, Jenee Phillips; cousins Troy Thornton and Jennifer Freund; and several great-aunts, great-uncles, and great-grandparents.
Zeppelin is survived by his parents, Andrew Phillips; Kendelle Phillips and his stepfather, Michael Denton; his two brothers, Luca and Florin Denton; and his grandparents, Louise Annette and Ronald Phillips, and Daniel and Kathleen Newbold. He also leaves behind his great-grandfather, Lee Hall, along with numerous extended relatives and friends.
A junior at Templeton Academy, Zeppelin flourished both academically and creatively. He was actively involved in the yearbook committee and relished his film studies class, movies being more than just a passion of his, but a sacred thing. They fascinated him. He has a special affinity for anything spooky or thrilling, Hitchcock, crime noirs, but would also sit still through a slow classic drama with a great story and good cinematography.
Zeppelin also worked at Wendy’s, where his dedication and strong work ethic were evident in his commitment to learning every aspect of the job, showing up for a shift even after a long day at school.
Zeppelin’s love for music was a defining aspect of his life, and started early. As an infant, he would fall asleep to nothing other than classic rock. He got his first guitar at age 6, and by age 8 he was covering songs like “Cupid” by Sam Cooke, to the thrill of his parents. By 13 he’d discovered Grunge and 90s rap, then it was math rock, shoegaze, and slowgaze…
In the last few years, he’d developed a real love for writing lyrics and producing underground rap songs with his friends. He was thrilled to have gained recognition from some notable names in that circle.
He spent a good amount of time skateboarding and bowling and gaming and just hanging out with his friends. Many evenings talking to girls. Evenings being sad about them, and then happy again.
But maybe above all, was Zeppelin’s passion for fishing. He loved fishing with his friends and going out on his kayak. But he wasn’t the type that needed other’s to enjoy it. Having a small pond within walking distance from his home, he would be there casting out during golden hour most evenings.
He also had a unique and profound connection with animals. As a young boy, he loved places like tide pools and the zoo where he could touch and feel and be close to critters. He was fearless and drawn to them, finding them without fail, and they seemed strangely drawn to him, there being something about his nature they trusted. His vicious pet tarantula would rest peacefully on his hand. And the cat and two family dogs each adored him, doting on him like he was one of their young.
Zeppelin’s ability to connect with people was remarkable. He was a friend to many, offering thoughtful advice, and trying to make others feel valued and heard. His kind and gentle spirit were renowned throughout his family. He was particularly affectionate and devoted to the ones he loved. His new friends, his old friends, some he’d kept in contact since he was in Kindergarten in Oregon, they were all part of his family. They all know that feeling he gave you when he hugged you a little harder than maybe you’d expected, and you knew that he meant it.
Please join us in honoring Zeppelin and remembering the light he brought to this world. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Pike S, Nashville, TN 37216. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service, with Mark Lohman officiating. https://www.springhillfh.com
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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