Tommy Phillips

Mr. Phillips, 87, of Toone, passed away Monday afternoon at his home.

He was born in Fayette County, the son of the late Noah and Mattie Walk Phillips and had lived the last 55 years in Hardeman County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Elizabeth Anderson, Bessie Lewis, Beatrice Campbell and Marie Jones; and one brother, Herbert Phillips.

In his younger years, Mr. Phillips had worked as a farmer, however, most of his working life was spent as a garment factory cutter for various manufacturers including Salant & Salant. He was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church near Whiteville where he had formerly served as song leader. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing and had performed on WBOL in Bolivar with "The Phillips Family" in years past. Mr. Phillips also enjoyed coon hunting and his "green thumb" gave rise to his love of gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Pat Phillips, whom he married on Saturday, June 28, 1986; four daughters, Shirley Darden (Stan) of Adamsville, Elaine Bozza (Paul) of Beech Bluff, Shirl Sanders (Teddy) of Henderson and Gina Powers (Troy) of Middleton; five sons, Steve and Wayne Phillips, both of Whiteville, Mike Phillips (Becky) of Hazelhurst, MS, Aubrey Phillips of Whiteville and Gary King of Jackson; one sister, Lurline Scates (Gary) of Henderson; three brothers, George T. Phillips and Noah Phillips, both of Whiteville and Gene Phillips (Betty) of Bolivar; 20 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org