Philip Matthew Leadbetter

Philip “Phil” Matthew Leadbetter, age 59, of Knoxville, TN went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Phil was a native of the Gibbs community where he graduated from Gibbs High School. Phil was a world-renowned resonator guitar player, receiving countless awards and accolades for performing. Phil was awarded by the International Bluegrass Musician Association three times for dobro player of the year and was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1994. Phil was known for being a master of his instrument, a mentor to many, as well as being a true friend to everyone he encountered in the bluegrass community and beyond. He was a loving husband to his wife Lisa, father to his son Matt, and grandad to Houston, Maci, Grayson and Allie. Phil was someone who everyone looked to for encouragement because he could light up the world and hearts with his smile and kindness. Nobody had a better friend than “Uncle Phil”. Phil was predeceased by his parents, John and Flora Leadbetter and his sisters, Carol Lee and Glenda Johnson, brother Johnny Leadbetter. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Ashley Leadbetter; four grandchildren, Houston, Maci, Grayson and Allie; brother and sister-in-law Kent and Denise Leadbetter and sister and brother-in-law Robin and Jim Webber. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at New Beverly Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private for the family. Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com