Brown Eugene "Gene" Phillips

Brown Eugene "Gene" Phillips born November 27, 1933, went to heaven to be with His Lord God on February 19, 2024, at his home in Locust Grove. Gene was born and lived in LaGrange until he joined the Air Force on January 1,1952. Gene served in the US Air Force until December 16,1955, receiving a medical discharge following serving in Japan for two years in the Communication Squadron during the Korean War.

Gene was married to and survived by Annette Cox Phillips for more than 33 years. Gene is also survived by daughters, Angie Rice, Angela Grimes-Phillips and Maureen Ware, as well as grandchildren, Tyler (Kaylee) Rice, Alex Rice, Mark (Kim) Ware, Dustin (Jessica) Ware, Destany Ware (Andrew) Pless, Cassidy Ware and Cailey Ware; great-grandchildren, Lexi Ware and Maddox Ware as well as his nieces and nephews.

Gene is predeceased by a son Carl Eugene Phillips; parents, Brown and Thelma Phillips; brother, Jack Phillips; sisters, Barbara Gray, Delores Middlebrooks, Faye Phillips, Patricia Brister and Cindy Burnham.

Following retirement from W. C. Caye as warehouse manager for 27 years, Gene worked for H&R Block managing their Jonesboro office and teaching courses for them. Leaving H&R Block, he was in partnership with DuPree, Maynard and Phillips in owning several Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchises with seven offices in three territories for eleven years. He managed their main office on Tara Blvd. in Jonesboro for 11 years. Gene thoroughly enjoyed meeting people, preparing their taxes and teaching income tax courses. After selling the franchise, Gene continued his tax preparations at home for several more years.

Gene loved his family, but first in his life was his relationship with the Lord God, an active church member serving his church and association until his illness. Serving God in various areas, Gene set an example for his family and friends.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 2, 2024 with visitation at 12:00 followed by service at 1:00pm at Bethany Baptist Church in McDonough. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund.