James Phillip Free

June 16, 1954 – September 6, 2026

Phillip Free, 72, of Ohatchee, Alabama, passed away on September 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Phillip is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Felicia; daughter, Joy Andrews (Jeff Holland); granddaughter, Madison Andrews; brother, Lynn Free (Wanda); sister, Cindy Alexander (Paul); nephews, Kevin Free (Amanda) and Jeremy Free; niece, Hali Alexander; great nephew, Mason Free, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Billie Ruth Free, grandparents, Almous and Bivion Free, and Will and Gelettie Gilchrist.

Phillip was raised in Shoal Creek Valley, Ashville, and Steele, Alabama. He graduated from Ashville High School, where he had the unique distinction of working as a school bus driver while still a student. After graduation, he worked at Blue Bell Wrangler in Oneonta as a forklift operator.

In February 1974, Phillip married the love of his life, Felicia Boomer. Later that same year, they welcomed the “Joy” of their lives, their daughter, Joy. In 1975, they relocated to Fort Stewart, Georgia, where Phillip worked and enjoyed making memories with family. In November 1979, he began working at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, prompting the family to move to Ohatchee, where they would make their home for the remainder of his life.

Phillip completed the journeyman program and became a certified electrician. In 1985, he transferred to AOD in Bynum, where he continued his career and eventually retired with 34 years of service in 2010 as a Planner/Estimator for the government.

In 2004, Phillip and Felicia were blessed with their one and only grandchild, Madison. Madison became a favorite companion on their many travels, with some of their favorite adventures taking them to water parks. Those memories will forever be treasured.

Phillip was a dear and close friend to many. He was also an accomplished marble player and enjoyed spending time with those he loved. He and Felicia shared a love of traveling together, trying new recipes, and enjoying new dining experiences.

Faith and service were at the center of Phillip’s life. In 1981, Phillip and Felicia joined Oak Bowery Baptist Church, where they spent many years serving as faithful servant-leaders. Phillip served faithfully on various committees and on the Board of Deacons.

Later, Phillip and Felicia became founding members of Covenant Life Ministries in Alexandria, where Phillip continued to serve his Master and Savior faithfully until his homegoing. His servant’s heart reached far beyond the walls of the church. He participated in multiple foreign mission trips to Bolivia, Belize, and Vietnam, as well as countless opportunities to serve people in his local community.

Phillip was a long-term trustee and played an instrumental role in the building, maintenance, and care of Covenant Life Ministries. His hands and heart helped shape the church building, pavilion, playground, annex, and amphitheater.

Phillip had a remarkable gift for seeing a need and quietly meeting it. He was often quick to help yet never sought recognition for himself. His life was a testament to humble service, unwavering faith, and genuine love for others.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all whose lives he touched.

Flowers will be accepted or gifts can be sent to Covenant Life Ministries, P. O. Box 530, Alexandria, AL 36250 for Bolivia Mission or Orphan’s Voice – Vietnam.

Pallbearers will be Jason Green, Rodney Free, Kevin Free, Jeremy Free, Mark Acker and Jason Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers: The men of Covenant Life Ministries

Visitation will be at Morgan Funeral Home Attalla, Alabama Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Graveside service will be at Steele Cemetery at 4:30pm.

Celebration of Life:

Covenant Life Ministries

Alexandria, Alabama

Sunday, September 13, 2026

2:00 PM

A family meal will follow the Celebration of Life at Covenant Life Ministries.