Reverend James E. Phillips

Reverend James E. Phillips, 90, of Worth County, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Bethel Holiness Tabernacle, 4621 Radium Springs Rd. Albany, GA 31705. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 20, 2023, at the church with his son, Pastor Noah Phillips, son-in-law, Rev. Kendall Ward, Rev. Chuck Scrivener, and Rev. Russell McDonald officiating. Following the funeral, Mr. Phillips will be laid to rest in the Hillcrest Cemetery, in Sylvester.

Born March 4, 1933, in Pikeville, KY, Rev. Phillips was the son of the late Noah and Nellie Robinson Phillips. He faithfully served our country in The United States Army. He married the love of his life Trula Kinney on October 13, 1954, and together they spent their lives loving their family and pointing them to Jesus. He was a hard-working Godly man who was always the glue that held the family together. He worked as a coal miner in his earlier years and pastored Holiness churches in Chicago, IL, and Lamont, IL. He also worked for General Motors for several years before moving his family to South Georgia, in 1977. Once settled here he worked for Park Bulit in Sylvester and later due to an injury had to retire from Avondale Mills of Tifton. In his retirement years he was a faithful member of Bethel Holiness Tabernacle for 33 years where he enjoyed teaching the adult Sunday school class. He was his son’s number one supporter as pastor of Bethel Holiness, and he loved to hear him preach the word of God. More than anything, Rev. Phillips loved God and his family.

In addition to his parents, Rev. Phillips was preceded in death by his children, Larry Gene Phillips, Forrest James Phillips, and Shirley Phillips Powell; and daughter-in-law, Cora Phillips.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years, Trula Phillips of Sylvester; children, Rev. Noah Phillips and Angie of Albany, William Phillips, and Rhonda of Sylvester, Merlie Phillips and Julie of Poulan, Sheila Phillips Lee and Roger of Gordy and Cindy Phillips Ward and Rev. Kendall of Poulan; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Jack Phillips and Frances of Columbus, OH; and son-in-law, Alvin Powell.

Condolences and memories may be shared on the web site of Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home at www.josephwjones.com.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home of Leesburg has been given the honor to serve the Phillips family.