Sam Morris Phillips

     Mr. Sam Morris Phillips, of Colquitt, Georgia, passed away on May 21, 2024, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.  He was surrounded by those he loved most as he triumphantly returned to our Heavenly Father.  A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with a celebration of his life at 3:00 PM at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, 33 Phillips Road, Colquitt, GA.  Rev. Josh Rathel and Rev. Irvin Murphy will officiate.  Interment will follow at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Alex Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Mickey Henley, Marty Henley, Caleb Henley, Nicholas Henley, Matthew Henley, and Russ Henley serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Kim Henley, Rick LaGuardia, Quinn LaGuardia, Blake Shepard, Tyler Sellers, Austin Henley, Lynwood Sheffield, and Ty Godfrey.

     He was the devoted husband of Mary Carr Phillips of Colquitt, GA for 60 years; Proud father of one son, Rick (Chris) Phillips, of Franklin, TN, one daughter, Vicki (James) West, Jr of Damascus, GA; Beloved Grandfather of, Alex (Christi) Phillips, Taylor (Laura) Phillips, Ivey Pope, Kate Pope, and Ansley West; Cherished brother of, Ronnie Phillips of Bainbridge, GA, Dorothy Montgomery of Blairsville, GA and Jody Herren of Leesburg, GA. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Veda Smith, Merle Rozier, Martha Ward, and Bobbie Ann Phillips; three brothers, W.A. Phillips, L.Z. Phillips, and Billy Burl Phillips, Jr; and parents, Billy Burl and Ivey Henley Phillips, Sr.

     Sam, affectionately known as “Henry” to many, was born in 1942 in Colquitt, GA, where he lived his entire life.  He was a pillar of his community, a long-term member and Deacon of Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, and a retired Maintenance Mechanic for Mars Corporation. His love for his family was unparalleled, and he radiated with pride when he spoke of his grandchildren.  His yard was a testament to his love of gardening, nature, and the outdoors.  His gentle spirit and deep empathy for all living beings were evident in how he respected and cared for animals and the world around him.  He was a lifelong Christian who instilled the teachings of Christ in his children and grandchildren, and he continued to serve his church until the very end of his life.  He was a true friend to everyone, and his spirit will live on in the community he loved so dearly.

     Memorial gifts may be directed to Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church in memory of Sam Phillips or to the Ashley Murphy Ghana Mission, C/O ROHIYA Foundation, Attention: Mark Findley, Treasurer, 1492 Findley Cemetery Road, Lyons, GA  30436.