Earl Edward Phillips

After graduating from Milan High School in Milan, Tennessee, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He served in the South Pacific theatre during World War II and returned home as a decorated and proud Marine. He had great love and respect for his country and fellow veterans.

He returned to work at Columbus, Mississippi Air Force Base and married Jerry Walden of Becker, Mississippi, in 1945. They made Aberdeen their home for a number of years which included the births of their two daughters, Sylvia and Suzanne.

They subsequently moved to Milan, Tennessee, and he worked and retired from the Milan Army Ammunition Plant as a Production Supervisor.

Upon retirement, he honed his love of cooking and began working with Northside Market in their catering business. He was well known for his attention to detail and perfection in the kitchen. One of his specialties was his delicious sage dressing.

He was widowed in 1983 and subsequently moved to Madison, Mississippi, in 2003 to live with his daughter Sylvia. He quickly became part of the community and was an active member of Seekers Sunday School Class of First Baptist Ridgeland, the McDonald’s Coffee Club and the American Legion. He remained a member of the Aberdeen Masonic Lodge No. 32.

He was a devoted, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His passion was always to be of service to the Lord, his family and the community. He dearly loved all his grandchildren and never turned down a chance to go on family beach trips.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Emma Phillips and six siblings, his wife, Jerry Walden Phillips, his son-in-law, Gary B. Taylor, and great granddaughter, Camryn Taylor.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Sylvia Phillips Taylor (Richard West) of Madison, Mississippi, and Suzanne Gallemore (Philip) of Jackson, Tennessee, his brother, Odell Phillips of Atwood, Tennessee, his grandchildren, Lisa Taylor Agent (Henry) and David Y. Taylor (Lindsey) of Madison, Mississippi, and Lindsay Gallemore Salter (James) and Will Gallemore of Jackson, Tennessee. His great grandchildren are Griffin, Luke and Taylor Agent and Benton and Sara Powell Taylor of Madison, Mississippi, Vince and Ryan Salter and Aubrey Gallemore of Jackson, Tennessee.

He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, extended family members and many wonderful friends.

Special thanks to all his caregivers from Sta-Home Health & Hospice and Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.

Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2015. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Parkway Chapel.

Graveside services with military honors will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Milan, Tennessee, on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Seekers Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church of Ridgeland, MS (302 West Jackson Street, Ridgeland, MS 39157