It seems that Phil has been part of our family for as long as I can remember.... (I barely remember my cousin, Jo, before she was with Phil.)  I adored Phil and cherish every long conversation that we shared over the years, and during my visits in their home.  My heart is breaking for my dear cousin, Joanne (Bogan) Phillips, and my thoughts, prayers, and love are with her during this difficult time and always.

I don’t even remember a time in my life that The Phillips Family wasn’t part of our family. I have loved them for as long as I can recall. Phil was truly one of a kind. He was strong and kind, loyal and loving to the core. The love he had for Jo, Angi and his family surpassed everything, except for his love of Jesus. I will never forget him and will always miss him!! I know with all my heart, that he is HOME with Jesus! I know I’ll see him again.,,one sweet day!! I love you, always, Phil!!

Phil was a kind and caring man.  I worked with him at DHS in Adult Protective Services and he had the most interesting stories.  I am so sorry to hear of his passing. God Bless you all.

I loved hanging out with him at the Redneck Rotary Club lunches and 4-Wheeling. He always had a smile on his face and made me feel welcome and a part of the group. Phil was awesome to be around and will be missed!! My prayers go out to all.

Jo, Angie, so sorry for you guys.  It was a very nice service. The preacher was right Jo, I'm sure you could have gone on for hours about Phil. What a character. 

I am so glad that we ran into you guys at Sam's not long ago. What I will always remember about Phil was what a great smile he had! I know he loved me, he was one of my fans. We sure had some great times together. I think of them often. 

You guys take care and I hope to run into you again soon. 

Love, D

Diane and I feel blessed to have known Phil. We met in our Life Group at Crossgate and every Sunday looked forward to seeing and hearing from him. It was easy to see he loved the Lord and loved his wife and family. The way he handled his illness with acceptance, resolve and patience was very telling and inspiring. We do regret that we never took the Harley Trike ride together that we so often talked about and truly wish we had spent more time with him. We will miss him and we pray for Jo and his family. 

Loved this man so very much.  He was the best friend anyone could ask for.  The thing I most appreciated about his friendship is that I knew he'd always tell it like it is and not tell me what he thought I wanted to hear.  I sometimes called him my voice of reason when I was at the end of my rope.  By knowing him I gained another amazing friend in his beautiful wife.  The two of them are an absolute perfect example of true love and commitment.  Phil was one of those people you couldn't help but love and I am truly thankful and blessed for having had him as a friend for over 30 years.  R. I. P. Phil.  I can already see you and Randy talking about hunting and Harley's.  Love you my friend.

I had the pleasure of meeting Phil in 2009 when I started at DHS. He was such a sweet soul.He always impressed me with the way he talked about "his Jo" and his family. We had many long talks about Love, Life, God, hunting, and Bikes. I will truly miss him!! Fly high and ride fast my friend!!

Jo, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel God holding you bringing peace and comfort as only He can. 

Larry and I love Phil and Jo Phillips.  Phil will be missed in so many ways.  Almost every Sunday I looked to see if Phil was in church because I knew when he was there he was feeling well!  He was always so faithful to the Lord, Jo and his friends!  He never failed to give a kiss on the cheek, and we were not embarrassed to say “I love you!”  A holy commitment of love for a brother and sister in Christ!  He will be missed by his family, and friends!  We are so thankful the Lord led us to a Crossgate so we could have these years to share and learn from the testimony of love from Phil.  His testimony will live on!  Thank you Jesus  for we will have eternity with You and each other!  

No matter what was going on Phil always had that smile, he was definitely a giver and loved the Lord with all his heart. 

I met Phil in the early 1970s at the apartment Jo and I shared in Santa Ana, CA.  He was such a sweetheart.  We loved much of the same music and had lots of interesting conversations about musicians and bands.  It was never a dull moment when Phil was around.  I've stayed in touch with Jo and Phil over the years and was so happy to hear that both of them had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  I knew then that they would always be in the best of hands.  I was so looking forward to riding my Harley trike with them and he couldn't wait to show me the beauty of Arkansas.  I will still come to see the beauty and will think of him smiling down on us as we ride into the sunset.  I will always love you Phil and am blessed to have had you in my life.  Thank you my friend. 

What an awesome Christian man and friend we have lost and will forever miss until we meet again. See you on the other side Phil. Love and prayers for Jo and the rest of the family. 

The loss of a friend that was beyond special  to me. Always greeted me with a hug and smile.  Looking forward to seeing that smile again when we meet in the presence of Jesus. 

What can you say about such a wonderful man.  I was Blessed to meet him at an early age.  Special memories I will hold close to my heart.  He would never leave without telling me he loved me.  I know he said that to everyone, because he did love everyone.  Phil's heart was so big.  I know that he is with his Dad, Mom and Sister catching up on old times.  I loved them all.  And Jo, you know I love you too!  My heartfelt sympathies to you, your daughter, and Missy.  Also to Phil's bothers.  What a gang we were.  Those Phillips boys were all so special.  Hugs and Prayers!

Loved loved loved this man...  Phil was a soul.  He was rooted in his faith and put that strength and his family first in his life.  I loved talking to Phil about music.  I don't think I ever stumped him regarding who sang what song.  Phil cherished and adored his Jo.  He was as enamored with her, when I met him, as the day that he described to me about when he first saw her.  Phenomenal people on their own and a powerhouse together.  He was a good little dude and I will miss him so much.  

OBITUARY

Howard "Phil" R. Phillips Jr.

September 18, 1950 – May 14, 2019

Gross Funeral Home

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