Mr. Patrick “Ricky” Phillips, age 71, of Soperton, passed away Tuesday morning, October 24, 2023, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, October 27, at Morningside Baptist Church with Pastor Jessie Goodman and Reverend Vic Fordham officiating. Mr. Phillips was laid to rest in the Boiling Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Family received friends Friday, October 27, from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Family and friends were also invited to call at the Grayson Phillips homeplace.
Serving as active pallbearers were Terry Phillips, Ronnie Phillips, Zach Paige, Zeb Paige, Harold Wimber and Roger Morris. Honorary escorts were Gene Hadden, Tony Way, Don Bishop, Jimmy Kersey, Randall Kersey, Seaby Phillps, Warren Phillips, Randy Thompson, Shannon McCullough, Karl Jacobs and Bill Jacobs.
Born in Vidalia, Ricky was the eldest of four children born to the late Thomas Grayson Phillips and Vera “Suzy” Youmans Phillips. He graduated from Treutlen County High School before attending ABAC in Tifton to study Agriculture and Farming. Ricky was a lifelong resident of Treutlen County and always farmed and worked as a truck driver. Mr. Phillips enjoyed hard work, working the land, raising barnyard animals and, if time permitted, a little fishing. He had attended Morningside Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips is preceded in death by his brother, James H. “Jim” Phillips, who passed away in 2016.
Mr. Phillips leaves behind his wife, Shirley J. “Susie” Phillips of Soperton; son, Tom Phillips (Melanie) of Soperton; two sisters, Susan Phillips Paige of Soperton and Martha Phillips Youngblood (David) of Hiawassee; sister-in-law, Donna Slater Phillips of Dublin; twin granddaughters, Cari Ann Phillips and Abigail Grace Phillips; grandson, Levi Thomas Phillips; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Sammons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
