Rothel Avon Phillips

Born on March 21, 1950, in New River, Tennessee, Butch was the beloved son of Elsie Bray Phillips and Carly Phillips. He lived a life marked by service, hard work, faith, and devotion to his family and country.

A proud United States Marine, Butch served his nation during the Vietnam War. His love for America remained steadfast throughout his life. He followed current events closely and took great interest in staying informed about the affairs of the country he loved so dearly.

Following his military service, Butch enjoyed a long career as a welder, taking pride in his work and the friendships he made along the way. He was known for his quiet strength and unwavering values. He was everybody’s favorite uncle, and person.

Butch's greatest joy was his family. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and he took immense pride in watching the generations of his family grow.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Phillips; children, Todd Schmidt and Carrie Phillips; his grandchildren, Kylan Lacey Barrett, Gary Lacey, Haleigh Lacey, Emma Chastain, Sydney Schmidt Green, Ava Schmidt, Jagger Schmidt, Gwendolyn Schmidt, and Colton Schmidt; and his great-grandchildren, Hadley Caroline Barrett, Xander Schmidt, and Micah Schmidt.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shane Schmidt; his parents, Elsie Bray Phillips and Carly Phillips; and his siblings, Bonnie, Dorothy, David, Joe, Janice, and Bobbi Jo.

Butch lived with a deep faith that guided him throughout the end of his life. He will be remembered for his patriotism, dedication to family, commitment to hard work, and the love he shared with those closest to him.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the memories they shared and in the legacy of love, service, and faith that he leaves behind.

A Visitation for Butch will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services - Franklin Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

Funeral Services will immediately follow at 1:00 pm.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 pm at Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414.

Please visit our website to share your favorite memories of Butch: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com