Art was born July 24, 1940, in Webberville, MI., to George & Margarite Phillips. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 at the age of 17 and proudly served his country for 20 years, including a year in-country in Vietnam.
He married Juanita (Brown) in 1962 and they were happily married for nearly 52 years until her death in 2013. Art & Nita were also tent evangelists and had a nursing home ministry for many years where they sang and preached the gospel to the elderly. Art also became an auctioneer and started his own successful auction company selling antique furniture via live televised auctions on PBS stations all over the United States.
He was preceded in death by his father & mother, George & Margarite, two sisters, Marion & Betty, brother Chuck, and wife Nita.
After several years Art met Pam and found love and companionship again. She brought joy and laughter into his life once more. They had lots of fun and made many wonderful memories together in his final years.
He is survived by his wife Pamela, daughter Evelyn, and son Melvin. Art had 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
His love and dedication to his family and friends knew no bounds. He was a great man and will be missed by all.