Mr. Chris Phillips, 39, of Covena, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021, at his residence following a brief illness. Graveside service was held Thursday, July 1, at 10 a.m. at Boiling Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Jonathan Shepard and Reverend Phil Wilson officiating. Family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Chapman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Tony Wiley, Patrick Brown, Weston Fields, Chris Taylor, Kris Meeks, and Brian Brown.
Mr. Phillips was born October 28, 1981, in Dublin, to Harry Phillips and the late Betty Toler Phillips. Chris was a man of God with Baptist faith. He was filled with adventure and possessed a heart of gold - his passion for life and love for his family was immeasurable. Chris’ loving and devoted wife, Jamie, was his best friend and daily inspiration. Together they created a life of love, happiness, and treasured memories. Chris loved his children! He loved being a Daddy and sought to give his children the best life possible. Chris nurtured their creativity and inspired them to be their true selves. He encouraged them to follow their arrow and pursue their passions! Chris provided his children with opportunities and life experiences far beyond what could be found in a classroom or text book. Chris’ peaceful spirit and positive energy had a way of calming the most troubled waters. He listened with his whole heart and without any judgement. Chris could usually suggest an effective solution for any obstacle and could always find a way to bring on a smile and laughter when needed most. These characteristics made him a friend and confidant for many.
In addition to being a 19-year employee for the United Parcel Service, Chris had many skills and a plethora of hobbies and interests. Chris was a talented craftsman who forged many useful and unique creations with his woodworking skills. He enjoyed cooking for his loved ones and found such joy in watching them savor his tasty cuisine. He was an avid outdoorsman and found peace in the serenity of nature. He loved to kayak the Ohoopee River and shared this love with his family and friends. He was also a licensed scuba diver! Chris possessed a great knowledge of and appreciation for history! He was a collector of many vintage and retro items, specifically barbershop memorabilia. A hair cut at Chris’ vintage barbershop was a truly unique experience! Perhaps Chris’ most cherished pastime was his love for music and talent with his guitar. He played music every day and loved all genres! He was a humble musician whose talent could’ve surely drawn a crowd. He was always happy to play, but most especially at home, alongside his beloved furry sidekick, Dash. He was passionate about sharing his love of rhythm with others and it was obvious that music spoke to his soul.
Chris was a visionary and an extraordinary human being. His love for God, love for life, positive attitude, and giving spirit is a true testament for us all. He will be missed by many. Although his life ended much too soon, his spirit and legacy will forever live in the hearts of all those blessed to have known him. Mr. Phillips is preceded in death by his mother; maternal grandparents, Archie H. “Taps” Toler and Nannie Lou Toler; paternal grandparents, Theron Phillips and Myrtis Yates Phillips; aunt, Virginia Toler Peebles; and mother-in-law, Sonja Canady.
Survivors include his wife, Jamie Canady Phillips of Covena; son, Riley Tucker Yates Phillips of Covena; daughter, Lanie Blair Phillips of Covena; father, Harry Phillips of Covena; brother, Kerry (Opeal) Phillips of Lyons; sisters, Teri Phillips (Lesa Cofield) and Dawn Phillips (Amanda Edwards), both of Covena; aunt, Peggy Corbin; cousins, Ashley Corbin, Andrew Corbin, Randall Corbin; father-in-law, Chuck Canady (Sara Jackson) of Swainsboro; brother-in-law, Derrick (Jennifer) Canady of Fort Valley; and many friends.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
