Ronnie Harold Phillips, 60, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, November 11, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald with the Rev. Dr. Jerry Mahan officiating. Stephen L. Ivie will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.
Mr. Phillips was born October 23, 1956, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Harold Clifton & Frances Giddens Phillips. He was a 1974 graduate of Fitzgerald High School where he wrestled, played baseball, and played football under Coach Joe Compton. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where he earned an Associates degree and played baseball for the Golden Stallions. He was retired from Delphi Automotive Systems. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Phillips loved to fish as well as hunt dove and quail. He loved to train and hunt with his birddogs. He was happiest being among his pine trees and his new pecan orchard, of which he saw his first harvest. He was active with the Department of Leisure Services coaching wrestling. He helped coach the State Champion Wrestling Team for Fitzgerald High School in 1995 and 1996. Mr. Phillips enjoyed his Sunday mornings with the Sportsman’s Sunday school class. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jane Ellen Bryant Phillips of Fitzgerald; two sons: Rusty Phillips of Espanola, New Mexico and Blake Phillips of Fitzgerald; two grandchildren: Shay Phillips and Cooper Phillips; and a sister: Debra Jean & Johnny Broome of Fitzgerald.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the Sportsman’s Sunday school class to assist with local missions, c/o First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 367, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.