On March 8, 2024 Dan passed away from natural causes. Dan was retired from working as a radio engineer at USA network and WREC radio. Dan graduated from the University  of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in English Literature and a master's in radio, television, film. He began his theatrical career at community and professional theatres locally like Playhouse on the Square, Circuit Playhouse, and Theatre Memphis. He was a popular figure in professional and community theater in the 1970's. He started in Front Street Theater with his equity card at the age of 14. Dan spent several years in New York working off Broadway. He won an award for a short film which remains at the New York museum of Art. Dan worked as a screenwriter, director, actor, set designer, just about every aspect of theatre in the front and back of the house. He leaves behind a wife, Deborah Wooten Phillips, two children: Elizebeth Phillips of  Austin Texas, Wesley Phillips of Memphis, and two grandchildren. Dan was a longtime member of Grace Saint Luke's Episcopal Church.