Leo Willis Phillips

He was born on December 19, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Onie Turner Phillips and Johnie L. Phillips. He spent his childhood summers with relatives in Woodbury, Tennessee. At 17 years old, Leo joined the United States Army where he served as a medic during WWII. While stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, he met the love of his life, Betty Bleu Hanks, whose father was serving as a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army. Leo and Betty were married in Bad Nauheim, Germany on December 20, 1947 and honeymooned in Paris, France. He later served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves in Nashville, TN.

Leo had a distinguished 30 year career with the U.S. Postal Service in Michigan. Upon his retirement, the Lincoln Park, Michigan City Council presented him with a proclamation honoring his dedication and hard work. Leo was a long time member of the VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan and served as the Post Commander from 1971-1972.

After retirement, Leo and Betty relocated to Goodlettsville, Tennessee. No matter where he lived, Leo never met a stranger and quickly made friends. His quick wit and contagious smile made him a joy to be around and brightened everyone’s day. Leo will forever be remembered by his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter Dawn Marie Phillips, son Danny Leo Phillips, granddaughter Amber Phillips Vester, three sisters, and one brother.

In addition to his loving wife of 69 years, he is survived by three children Duane Phillips (Marie) Goodlettsville, TN., Linda Howard (Rex) Deer Park, TX., Dale Phillips (Cheryl) Gibraltar, MI., daughter-in-law Paula Phillips Pratt, KS. 11 grandchildren: Damian Phillips (Holly), Rachel Pack (Ryan), Matthew Phillips, Karen Pearson (Spencer), Josh Phillips (Lisa), Larry Wake (Alicia), Leonard Wake (Tarrah), Bryan Kejonen (Paige), Austin Phillips, Grant Phillips (Melissa). 20 great-grandchildren: Spencer Phillips (Lacy), Alex Forrest, Kane Vester, Lindsey Daniel (Keith), Jessica Phillips, Hanna Pearson, Haleigh Pearson, Kade Pearson, Katelyn Pearson, Danee Phillips, Payton Phillips, Gavin Phillips, Stephen Wake, Daniel Wake, Wesley Wake, Zachary Wake, Michah Wake, Kylee Kejonen, Kynlee Kejonen, Kaden Kejonen. 2 great-great-grandchildren: Grayson Daniel and Raven Phillips.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday February 27, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 1150 Dickerson Road Goodlettsville, TN with services on Tuesday February 28, 2017 at 12:30 PM from the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rex Howard officiating. Interment will follow at the Nashville National Cemetary 1420 Gallatin Road S. Madison, Tennessee.

Active pallbearers with be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers: Ryan Pack, Spencer Pearson,

Dr. W. J. Hailey III, Gary Franks, members VFW Post 1136 Wyandotte, MI., and Special Friends at Edge Fitness Center.

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Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Goodlettsville, TN.