Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Mr. Joe Lee Phillips departed this life on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Hoyt Nursing Home. Age 71 years. He was born June 17, 1941 in Clarksdale, Arkansas to Hattie Mae Johnson and Aaron Phillips.
Joe accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Arkansas. He married Helen Anderson in 1964. After relocating to Saginaw, Michigan, he became employed at Saginaw Grey Iron Foundry retiring in 1991 after many years of service. Joe enjoyed fishing, listening to gospel music and watching his favorite westerns on TV. He loved spending time with friends and family. Joe took special care of his wife, children and grandchildren. He would make sure they had anything they wanted. They all kept him busy after his retirement. His presence will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Helen Phillips; five children, Joe Lee Phillips Jr., Bernice Phillips, Eric Phillips, Jamie Phillips, Misty (Robert) Jones; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven brothers, Harvey (Collette) Phillips, James (Rosemary) Phillips, Charlie Moore, all of Madison, Wisconsin, Larry (Katherine) Phillips of Omaha, Nebraska, Aaron (Helen) Phillips Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri, Morrise (Gloria) Phillips of Osceola, Arkansas, Gene (Sue) Billings of Saginaw, Michigan; two sisters, Willie Mae Phillips of Madison, Wisconsin, Mary L. Allen of Saginaw, Michigan; mother-in-law, Lillie Anderson; three sisters-in-law, Maebelle Gines, Charlie Mae and Patricia Anderson; two brothers-in-law, Bossie Anderson and Joe Mobbley; many other relatives and friends including a special great-grandson, Travariohn Truss, his godsons, Lacy Oliver and Willie Dawson.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Hattie M. Johnson and Aaron Phillips, three sisters, Eula Mae Walls Johnson, Flory Mae Johnson and Martha Kisey.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Hoyt Nursing Home for keeping him comfortable during his short stay and to Domonique Phillips for taking him to his appointments and taking special care of him.
Visitation: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
Service Plans: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
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