Leroy Phillips, known as ‘’Lee" to some, passed away on July 27, 2020, at the age of 80 from heart complications. The irony of this is that his heart was one of the STRONGEST hearts known for being so loving, compassionate, and happy. It is an inexplicable mystery and of extraordinary beauty of how his laughter was contagious and his presence radiated a certain warmth and comfort. Leroy was born June 3, 1940, in Red Bud, Kentucky to Elze Crawford and Susan Alice (Furkins) Phillips. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jaqueline "Jackie" (Horn), with whom he celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage just before her passing; two brothers, Elze Lee and Jack; three sisters, Edna, Geneva, and Judy; brother-in-law, Ralph, and sister-in-law, Donna.
Leroy is survived by his sister-in-laws, Juanita and Kathy, and numerous nieces and nephews, both blood and honorary, who loved him very much and will miss him dearly.
Leroy was a Christian and a member of the Liberty Baptist Church. Leroy retired in 1991 after 30 years of service from Ford Motor Co. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was also an active member of the National Guard while living in Shelby County in Indiana. Leroy and Jackie retired and moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where he worked at MacDill Air Force Base (part-time). This allowed him to play golf at a great discount, which made him happy! Leroy also loved classical music and was quite the dance partner when he felt the music (even square dancing)! He enjoyed dining out (loved and appreciated a good meal) and enjoyed the dog tracks. He was a man of great honor and a hero. In 1993, Leroy saved the life of an 8-year old drowning boy from the river and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for Outstanding Heroic Action. This type of recognition was awkward for him as it was a natural reaction to him and not one that was to be glorified. He was simple and humble in that regard. To know Leroy, was to love Leroy, and he didn’t know a stranger as he would talk and smile to everyone he met. His devotion and loyalty to his friends and family were his strongest traits. Leroy was a recovered alcoholic, with 40 years of sobriety, and served as a mentor to many. He was a Boy Scout leader and the number one fan for all his nieces and nephews. Leroy attended many sporting and 4-H events, birthday parties, game nights, graduations, and weddings, which made any celebration or life event better when he was there.
Leroy’s viewing will be at Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home Saturday, August 8, 2020, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., followed by a military ceremony, which will begin the funeral service. A private burial will take place Monday, August 10, 2020 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In place of flowers, pay forward a random act of kindness in the name of Leroy "Lee" Phillips.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
