Howard Phillips "Phil" Hamlin took his last breath on September 22, 2026, at his Brookdale Sandy Springs residence in Maryville, TN. He was 86 years of age. Phil was East Tennessee born and bred. He was raised in LaFollette, TN, Northport, AL, Cary, NC and Norris, TN, where he graduated from Norris High School. He attended Vanderbilt University, graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA in Philosophy, and ultimately earned both an MA and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Georgia in Athens. He made a career of teaching philosophy--at the University of Georgia, the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, and, for most of his career at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Phil lived his life according to his commitments to teaching Philosophy, promoting peace and justice, and caring for his family and friends. As a teacher, Phil helped students understand what it meant to approach life with a philosophical stance. He taught a wide variety of courses including Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy and Literature, Philosophy and Film, Philosophy of Law, Medical Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Animal Rights and Ethics, as well as many Special Topics courses. He was creative, engaging, and rigorous as he modeled curiosity and enthusiasm. One of his parting gifts for his students was a pen stating his motto, “In the business of kicking sleeping dogs.” He was always ready and willing to talk through an issue or promote a cause. That made him a good conversationalist.

Participating in politics as an Independent, serving as an officer in the Knox County ACLU chapter, protesting the Vietnam War, attending and serving as President of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church: all were actions that demonstrated Phil’s belief in peace and justice. He spoke for the underdog whether the commitment was to the ill and dying, animals, or the earth. He treasured the environment and took delight in the flora and fauna he encountered.

Phil cared deeply for his family and friends, and he nurtured his relationships by keeping in contact. He attributed much of this to living ten years in an urban commune called “The Green House” and to his engagement with Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. He was well-known for his letter writing, post cards, and emails. Much of his travel focused on friends he valued. He enjoyed the company of various ages and walks of life. His ready smile and chuckles could light up a room, his intellect could challenge your most cherished belief, and his kindness could assist and support. These characteristics were combined with his determination to live life on his own terms, eschewing whatever “proper” required. He loved jokes, tasteless or otherwise. His laughter was infectious.

Phil was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, and first granddaughter. Phil is survived by his first wife Bonnie Forte and her husband Fred Forte; his second wife, Marianne Woodside; his son Michael Timothy Hamlin and wife Zhewei Dai; daughter Catherine Cybele Hamlin and husbands Mariano Bartolomeu and Stephan Steyn; stepdaughter Donna Lee Roberts and husband Christopher David Roberts; and sister-in-law Lynne Hamlin. Phil’s grandchildren include David Macon Roberts, Madalena Sofia Freese and husband Asher Freese, Dexter Felipe Hamlin Bartolomeu, Iona Adelaide Hamlin Bartolomeu, Skyler Sebastian Hamlin, and Eleanor Suveri Hamlin.

We all love and loved him dearly.

We extend a special gratitude for the care of Phil to his family and friends, Brookdale Sandy Springs Clarebridge House, and Gentiva Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37803.