Melvin F. Phillips, Sr. was born on August 8, 1935 in Little Rock, Arkansas as the third child to Julius and Cora Phillips, who preceded him in death. His sister, Frankie Mae, and brother, Sidney, also preceded him in death.
Mel attended Mt. Zion Elementary School and Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. He married Roger Lee Williams, in 1953 and to this union were born four children, Cynthia, Carol, Rogina and Melvin, Jr. Shortly after the birth of their first child, they moved to Illinois, residing in Chicago, LaGrange and Maywood.
Mel professed Christ at an early age and was baptized by Pastor Thurman Nash at Quinn Chapel, A.M.E. Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a faithful Member of Quinn Chapel where he served on the Steward and Trustee Boards. More recently, he attended St. Luke, AME Church in Hensley, Arkansas where he also served as an Officer.
Mel worked at Montgomery Ward for over 40 years starting in maintenance, then warehouse shipping and receiving, and matriculating to the supervisory position of Retail Manager. He was the Trucking and Delivery Supervisor in the Chicago Metropolitan Area from 1969-73 and the Furniture and Appliance Manager.
As a devoted son, Mel moved back to Arkansas in 1989 to take care of his elderly mother until her death. He continued working full time at the Little Rock Montgomery Ward until they closed all stores. He then worked at the Little Rock Sears as the Furniture Sales Manager, retiring in 1998. He returned to work part-time at Sears until 2013.
Mel enjoyed playing baseball, table tennis, bowling and golf. He excelled in these sports and won many trophies. He created and sustained many friendships due to his great sense of humor and outgoing personality.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his four children, Cynthia (Lawrence David) Broughton of Forest Park, Illinois, Carol Mason of LasVegas, Nevada, Rogina (Winston) Bodden of Pembroke Pines, Florida and Melvin Phillips, Jr. of Forest Park, Illinois; five grandchildren, Kenyatta (Tane`) Ruffin, Sidney Ruffin, Melcolm Ruffin, Robert Mason and Cynina Mason; five great-grandchildren, Tabitha, Lydia, Joanna, Thaddaeus and Matthias Ruffin; half-sister, Flora Edmond of Waukegan, Illinois and brother, Paul Phillips of Chicago, Illinois; cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the
Memory of Melvin F. Phillips, Sr.
to the Legacy Flight Academy at
https://www.legacyflightacademy.org/donate-general-fund
(1-855-TUSKEGEE or 1-855-887-5343) 805 Lake Street, Ste. 267 Oak Park, IL 60301
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