Gerald “Jerry” Leon Phillips
Gerald “Jerry” Leon Phillips, age 84, of Pine Bluff, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. He was born March 13, 1936, in Toledo, Ark., to the late James Leon Phillips and Alma Virginia Varnell Phillips. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hunter and Sarah Lain Varnell, Jim and Alice Cash Phillips; his first wife and mother of his children, Veda Sharlotte Crutchfield Phillips; siblings, David “Bud” Phillips, Larry Phillips and Linda Phillips. Jerry was a 1956 graduate of Rison High School and in 1957 he married the love of his life, Sharlotte Phillips. He moved to Houston, Texas, and worked for Southern Pacific Railroad, later returning to Arkansas where he retired as a Head Operating Electrician from International Paper Pine Bluff Mill after 40 years of service. He was a member of IBEW Local 2033 and a 60 year member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going to Lake Ouachita. Family meant the world to Jerry, he never missed a Sunday gathering or a chance to spend time with his large family.
He is survived by his children, Gwen Phillips Whitler of Greer, S.C., Gerald “Randy” Phillips and his wife Sherrie of Pine Bluff; his second wife, Alice Faye Brown and her family; siblings, Margaret Rodgers (JT), Betty Robison (Don), Martha Jane Lockhart (Jimmie), Janice Doss (David) and Judy Phillips. He was proudly known as Poppa to grandchildren, Chris Wilson (Kim) of Van Buren, Richard Davis (Julianna) of Taylors, S.C., Suzzie Harris (Chris) of Little Rock, William “Bubba “Shults of Little Rock, twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, a large circle of friends, and his beloved dog, Tippy.
The family would like to thank Arkansas Heart Hospital, Hospice Angels, and Margie Owens for the care they provided to Mr. Phillips.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2020, at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Varnell Cemetery in Rison. Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 3256216. Sign online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.