Edmond "Skip" P. Phillips Jr.

Skip was born on January 1, 1949, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, but lived most of his life in the Birmingham Metro Area. An alumnus of Birmingham University School, he attended Shades Valley High School before graduating from Marion Institute.

While completing his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture at Auburn University, he spent time working on a farm with his young bride, and his heart remained with the animals he cared for. After graduating from Auburn University, Skip had a long career leading the manufacturing and supply chain processes for local favorite companies including Sunnyland Refineries, where he oversaw the launch of Superman Peanut Butter in the 80’s, and Mrs. Stratton’s Salads. Over the course of his career, Skip earned the reputation of being an extremely hard worker, unafraid to roll up his sleeves and manage his large teams by example.

When not working, Skip felt most at home on the lake fishing for his beloved Bass. He loved to spend time in the woods, but was not a hunter, for his love of all creatures, great and small, would not allow it. Skip was a true “armchair quarterback”, particularly when he was cheering for his beloved Auburn Tigers. It would not be uncommon for him to have multiple televisions set up to watch whatever sport was on television from football, to basketball, to fishing.

Skip is preceded in death by his parents, Edmond Prince “Bud” Phillips Sr., his mother, Olivia Prowell “Tootie” Phillips Smith, and his brother, Samuel McKerall “Bo” Phillips. He is survived by his children, Edmond Prince “Bud” Phillips, III and Mary McKerall Phillips Gardner (William Carroll Gardner), his grandchildren, Jackson Gardner, Sam Gardner, Reed Gardner, and Ben Gardner, and his sister, Lynn Phillips Telle (Anthony Telle),

A celebration of Skip’s life will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Visitation will begin at 11 am, with a service of remembrance and commendation to follow at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Birmingham Humane Society in his name.

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