Allen W. Phillips

Allen W. Phillips, age 84, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 1, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 8, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to Sophia Taksony Phillips and Emil Phillips.

He grew up in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University, then went on to earn a Masters Degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

He began his long and distinguished career as a journalist with the Detroit News where he covered the Michigan legislature and was also op-ed editor. He was also a speech writer and Public Relations Director at American Natural Gas Company in Detroit, Michigan. In 1977 Allen and family moved to Birmingham, AL where he became night city editor for the Birmingham News and later was public relations and marketing director for SONAT. He also worked for the Montgomery Advertiser and then Progress Rail in Albertville, AL.

Allen was a talented and gifted writer and speaker who could take complex issues and interpret the exact meaning in a single sentence. As a college professor Allen found his calling. He taught mass communication and journalism at Jefferson State Community College, University of Montevallo and UAB before retiring.

He was an intentional man, authentic in every way and blessed with a quick wit. He was known for a keen intellect which made him an interesting conversationalist.

Allen was predeceased by his parents as well as his son, Allen Louis Phillips. Allen was a doting husband who is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Milner Smith Phillips, and his son Christopher J. Phillips, stepdaughter Martha Noel and stepson Mark Noel. Also survived by grandson Jace Allen Phillips and granddaughter Sarah Emi Kato.

A memorial service will be held later at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Allen's name may be made to the Mass Communication Department at Jefferson State Community College.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Phillips family.