Phillip Eugene Powell

Phillip Eugene Powell, age 41, of Jacksonville, Florida was received into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Phillip was born in Quitman, GA and was a Manager in the Automotive Industry. He was predeceased by his father, Eugene Powell and will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Phillip is survived by his 4 children: Chloe, Cadence, Callie, and Phillip, Jr. "PJ”; his parents: John and Michelle Placzkowski; siblings: John Placzkowski, III and Diana (Eric) Rowan; and a host of extended family and friends.

Phillip was always athletically gifted and grew up playing baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. These days Phillip loved to play golf and go fishing. He also loved all things tools, cars and monster trucks. He had a booming voice and loved to joke around. He was also stubborn, persuasive, and surprisingly sentimental. People close to him would say that he had a big heart and was a good friend and brother. Of all the things he loved, there was nothing he loved more than his children. He loved and adored his 3 beautiful daughters and was over the moon when he found out that he was having a son. Many people can attest to the transformation that took place in him two years ago as he fully committed his life to Jesus. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held 2 PM, Thursday, June 16, 2022 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL with visitation held 1 hour prior to service. Burial followed in Holly Hill Memorial Park. Family had a reception at First Church of God, 3965 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.

Eulogy for Phillip Powell

Written by Michelle Placzkowski, 6.11.22

There’s the Phillip that everyone knows…then there’s the Phillip that his Momma knows. Let me tell you about Phillip:

Phillip had plenty of “moments”, but when he smiled, his whole face smiled. And it made me smile- inside and out. I don’t think there is a sport that he wanted to play that he wasn’t good at. Outside is where he wanted to be unless he was eating or sleeping, which was a lot of the time. But he worked hard and played hard. Phillip worked to live. He didn’t live to work. Not everyone can understand that. He would probably take the last piece of bacon or hamburger on the plate (in fact, he used to ask if he could have seconds as soon as he sat down for his firsts); however, he would give you the shirt off his back. He was not always there when I wanted him. He was always there when I needed him. Phillip was my big, strong teddy bear. He could lift and carry heavy things, then be gentle and listen without judging. He had a grace I only hope to possess one day. He was willing to forgive. He was able to quickly get over the many slights of others. I could be so mad or upset with him, ready to say all the “momma” things that we mothers seem to all say- often. Then when he got in front of me and said, “mom”- that’s what he would say; not “hi mom,” “hey mom,” but “”mom”- and then give me one of his big hugs (he was a good hugger), I couldn’t be mad anymore. I just wanted to make him a big pot of mashed potatoes!

One thing you could be sure of, Phillip loved his children. There was hardly a conversation that took place between us that didn’t involve them; how they were doing, how proud he is of them, how he enjoys spending time with them. The concerns he had as a father were glazed over once again by the grace he extended. Yes, Chloe, Cadence, Callie and PJ, he knows you love him, too.

Through the years, Phillip had at times been caught in the snare of the enemy. His struggle was more than difficult to watch as he tried many times to escape and failed. I want to emphasize tried. He never stopped trying. He kept getting back up. We are thankful and proud of his victories. Many times, I did not extend mercy when it was needed. I couldn’t bear what was happening. I prayed long and fervently. I thank God that my hero, Phillip’s dad, John, was there to give Phillip all the grace he needed to help him and connect him ultimately with Set Free Ministries and his Lord, Savior, and Deliverer Jesus Christ. You can be sure Jesus has never left him alone. Hebrews 13:5 says: for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor[e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!]

I want to thank you all for being part of our son’s life. He is so special to us. The separation is unbearable. But, I hope in God’s word. A few common thoughts among us all seem to be, “I was feeling like I wanted to reach out and spend some time with Phillip” or “I feel guilty.” Let me tell you what Jesus tells us- Don’t. In John 10:10 (NKJV) the word of God says: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

If we feel condemned, it is the enemy trying to rob us of our peace, kill our good memories, and destroy our hopeful future. So rather, let us be convinced that we will instead use this opportunity to rearrange our schedules to include getting quiet before the Lord to practice our hearing skills so that not another chance slips by while we are too busy or preoccupied to act upon what the spirit of the Lord is saying to us. To add relationship to revelation. To love our brother as ourselves. And live out the abundant life God intended for us.

The other common thought we have is “there are no words.” There are no human word; however, there is the word of God given us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep (in death), lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [d]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

So I want to comfort you with these words that Jesus died to give us and encourage you with the power of His resurrection. That the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you (Romans 8:11) and leave you with the hope of His promise that He will return. He has not left us without comfort (John 14:18). He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit in our hearts unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).

So if you don’t know or you haven’t heard, I am telling you what Phillip wants you, the people nearest to his heart, to know- that God loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life, for your whole complete life, now and forever.