Dr. Jere Marcus Phillips

Dr. Jere M. Phillips, of Birmingham died May 4,2013 at the age of 81. He was born in Thomaston, Alabama and attended Marengo County High School. He furthered his education at Auburn University where he graduated from the school of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate. After veterinary school he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force. There Dr. Phillips met his wife of 42 years, Bettye Sanders. While in the military he attended Texas A&M University receiving a Masters Degree in Laboratory Animal Medicine. His career was spent with the military in lab animal research and caring for the research animal. At one time, Dr. Phillips was assigned to the Pan American Health Organization and stationed in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to assist in the foot and mouth disease Program. He also served as consultant to Paho in other South American countries.

After 16 years in the Air Force, he transferred to the Public Health Service and was assigned to the National Institute of Mental Health as institute veterinarian. After 26 years of duty Dr. Phillips retired with the rank of Naval Captain.

Following retirement from Federal Service, Dr. Phillips was employed by Sema Corp in Rockville, Maryland as Directory of Veterinary Services caring for a large population of primates involving research in hepatitis, aids, and cancer. He was a diplomat in the College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.

He then took a position with Auburn University leading up their lab animal medicine program. He retired to Birmingham, AL to be near his family.

Dr. Phillips is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Betty Sanders Phillips and son Jere Marcus Phillips, Jr. He is survived by his son Tommie Phillips and daughter Sara Phillips Nall and granddaughters Cody Nall and Hanna Nall.

Funeral Services for Dr. Phillips will be Monday, May 6 ,2013 at 4:00 PM at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood. Visitation will from 3:00 PM to 4:00PM at Valley Chapel. Burial will take place at Marengo Memorial Gardens in Thomaston, AL

The family suggest that donations be made to Thomaston Memorial Association, P.O. Box 192, Thomaston, AL 36783