Eugene W. Phillips

Eugene W. Phillips, age 80, of Ocala, Florida passed away on October 15, 2024 at E.W. & Lucille Cates House in Ocala. Gene was born on February 1, 1944 in Headland, Alabama to the late Clarence Eugene and Willie Mae (Ward) Phillips.

After Gene graduated from high school, he served in the United States Air Force for six years. He retired from the Florida Marine Patrol as a police officer after 33 years of service. Gene was featured on a 20/20 episode where he was involved in a boating investigation. He was a people person and had a heart to serve. After retirement he took 4 years to “relax”. He then joined Aycock Funeral Home in Jupiter, Florida where he was a staff associate for 15 years.

In his down time, Gene loved fishing, reading history and fantasy and doing crossword puzzles. He was especially interested in anything about World War II.

He enjoyed traveling and had climbed the Great Wall of China and visited Israel to name a few favorite destinations. Gene was a big fan of Bugs Bunny and was known for his handlebar moustache.

He and his wife, Linda, moved to Ocala in 2021 and were members of College Road Baptist Church.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Willie Mae Phillips: sister, Mary Ann Brabham and his niece, Willa Brabham.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 28 years, Linda J. Phillips; stepdaughter, Erica (Eric) Tirado; ; niece, Pepper Renee Gibson; great niece, Kara Gibson and four grandchildren, McKenna Tirado, Blake Bryant, Isabella Tirado and Reya Tirado.

A service will be held at 4:30 pm, Friday, October 25, 2024 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34480 with a visitation to follow from 5:30-7:30 pm. A committal service will be at 1:00 pm, Monday, October 28 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 Southwest 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

In lieu of flowers, Gene’s wishes were to make a memorial donation to ASPCA, or other animal charities, Samaritan’s Purse, Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Paralyzed Veterans of America. All of these charities were dear to his heart.

Arrangements entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, Florida 352-622-8181.

Fond memories and words of support may be shared at www.ForestLawnOcala.com for the Phillips family.