Marvin R. Phillips

Born February 22, 1938 to Marvin Denzel Phillips and Birdie Marie Phillips in Martin, TN.

Marvin graduated from Union City High School. He was inducted into Union City High School Hall of Honors on October 9th , 1981. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on a full football scholarship where he played tight end and defensive end for the 1957-1960 teams, coached by Bowden Wyatt. Marvin graduated from the Agricultural College of Tennessee. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Marvin married his High School sweetheart, Janice Mires Phillips, on December 21, 1958. They had three children, Mark, Gina and Brian. After Graduation from Tennessee he went into the food processing business where he spent his entire career, spanning 50 + years. He became a specialist in deboning hams. This led to travel through the world teaching and training food processor's how to properly and efficiently debone hams. He completed his last 20 years in the industry in management and sales at the Sara Lee organization.

In Knoxville, Marvin was elected as President of the Sertoma Club in 1972-73. The Sertoma Club was a men’s club designed to help and serve the under served young children and elderly in the communities in and surrounding Knoxville. Marvin was an avid outdoorsman where he enjoyed hunting with his boys, friends and customers. He enjoyed all his travel throughout the United States chasing game and building strong, meaningful relationships. He was a devoted Christian and faithful follower of Christ. As a family man and father, he led by perseverance, integrity and service to others.

Marvin is Predeceased by his parents Denzel and Birdie Phillips Son- Brian Mires Phillips Grandson - Justin Scott Gaines Sisters Alma Ford and Norma Schiavone.

Survived by his Wife of 67 years- Janice Mires Phillips Son- Mark Phillips (Natalie), children Tyler Phillips (Katie), Lauren Phillips Beirne (Jamie), Cory Phillips (Morgan) Daughter -Gina Gaines (Greg), children Jenaleigh Gaines Bingham (Nick), Justin Gaines, Kelsey Gaines, Brian’s children- Brianne Phillips, Brittany Phillips Hartwell ( Todd), Brandon Phillips He also leaves behind a legacy of 16 great Grandchildren They moved from Memphis TN to Franklin Tn in 2016 and are faithful members of the Church of West Franklin and members of the encourages life group. Isaiah 40:31- But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

A visitation will be held at the Church of West Franklin on January 2, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life Service will take place at the same venue, located at 700 Highway 96, Franklin, Tennessee, 37064, starting at 1:00 pm with Bro Matt Pearson officiating. Interment at Hermitage Memorial Gardens 12:00 pm Saturday at Hermitage Memorial Gardens serving as pallbearers Tyler Phillips, Cory Phillips, Brandon Phillips, Brooks Beirne, Jamie Beirne, Hollis Bingham, Nick Bingham, Todd Hartwell, and Bully Kauker. Honorary Pallbearers Don Leake, Bill Latimer, Greg Gaines and Reggie Tullis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospitals at [https://www.stjude.org/donate" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.stjude.org/donate](https://www.stjude.org/donate) or Alive Hospice at [https://www.alivehospice.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.alivehospice.org](https://www.alivehospice.org).

Marvin's adventurous spirit and devotion to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.