William Henry “Phil” Phillips was born on April 15th, 1919, in Crisp County, Cordele GA to Tom and Amanda Phillips. He transitioned on August 3rd, 2023, at Orange Park Medical Center. He was predeceased by his parents, a son (Ronald– Esq), seven brothers; John, Cassiue, Coleman, Robert (TG), Tom, Joseph, Matthew, and three sisters; Leellen, Fanny, Ida, and one surviving sister (Geraldine). He was educated in the Fitzgerald Georgia school system. He professed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Georgia. During his mid years, his religious beliefs was of the Catholic faith. When moving to Florida, he and his family joined St John’s Baptist Church in 2005. He was a faithful member and was ordained as an honorary deacon. He did not take the job lightly. Although he was of age, he did what he could and he did it with a willing heart. He was a man of great faith. His love for his wife and his family was his priority.
He was a family man and always provided for them. At an early age, he was very protective of his mother and sisters. He was drafted in the United States Navy and served as a seaman first class. He did one tour of duty in the Western Pacific. Phil was proud to be a navy man and loved talking about his years in the Navy. Phil was a great sportsman and loved all sports especially baseball which he played in the Navy. When returning to the states, he furthered his education by going to tailoring school. Although he did not complete the course, his love for clothing was in his DNA. Some people would call him “Dapper Dan” because he was always clean, pressed, and neat.
He held several jobs during his lifetime and retired in 1991 as a local truck driver for a medical waste management company. His hobbies were baseball, football, golf, which he traveled from Maine to the Bahamas until he was 93 with his friend Terry Sibley. Even after dementia and a stroke, he would reminisce about his baseball and golf playing days.
In 1965, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. She was the water that floated his boat. They married 2 years later. Of that union, a son was born. He had 3 adopted children and was very proud of them. On any given day, you would hear him giving them good and godly advice about life. He was a kind and gentle man with a big heart.
He leaves to cherish his memories of a loving and devoting wife of 56 years. Their son Anthony, wife Pamela, and granddaughter Amalia. Harold, David, and Denise. A daughter in law, Diane, one sister Geraldine Davis of Georgia. 3 sisters in-laws; Bernice Phillips, Maggie Wright, and Mattie Ashley. Special nieces and nephews, Freda, Patrice, Karen, and Dr. Derick Phillips. 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. Special friends: Jimmy Tiggs, Reverend Eddie B. Henley and wife, Deacon and Sister Cooke, Ardell Boyd, adopted son David Newman, Terry Sibley, Learie Holder, Cheryl Smith, and Diane Braxton. A host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service for Phil will be held Monday, August 14, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at St John Missionary Baptist Church, 135 Brickyard Road, Middleburg, FL 32068. Following the memorial service will be a graveside service with military honors from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com for the Phillips family.
