Virgil "Tommy" Phillips, Jr.

Virgil Thomas Phillips, Jr. (“Tommy”) was born February 12, 1950 in Savannah, TN, the son of the late Ruth Phillips Bivens and V.T. Phillips, Sr. He was united in marriage to Carol Kirkpatrick on January 12, 1975, and they celebrated their 50th anniversary last year with snow on the ground in Savannah much like it was that day in 1975. They welcomed their only child, a daughter – Melinda Phillips, in 1980.

Tommy served in the Army National Guard from November 1969 through November 1975 as a heavy equipment mechanic and continued working as a mechanic throughout his entire career. He loved any and everything related to cars, especially antique ones and hot rods, as well as building and restoring lamps, a skill he learned from his mom. Tommy enjoyed teaching anyone who wanted to learn about engines, woodworking, roses, and cake baking and particularly enjoyed sharing that knowledge with his nephews who were excellent students, and his daughter, who was not. Many people benefited from these talents whether with a caramel cake delivery for a birthday, a beautifully crafted lamp, or a handmade grandfather clock. Tommy loved tinkering.

Tommy departed this life on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and daughter, Melinda Phillips of Nashville, TN, along with his sister, Kathy Ruth Hinton (David) of Mt. Juliet, TN, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Jo Ann Seaton and Linda DeBerry.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the American Lung Association, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, or an organization close to your heart.