Michael David Phillips, 83, of Jackson, TN passed away on Saturday, October 26th. In the presence of family, he went peacefully in his sleep.
The son of Charlotte and Frank (Bud) Phillips, Mike was born on Monday February 10th, 1941, in St. Louis, MO. He grew up in Canton, IL, where he attended Canton High School while working at the local bakery. This explains Mike’s lifetime love of angel food cake and vanilla ice cream! Upon graduation in 1959, he began an apprenticeship at International Harvester in Canton. His outstanding work ethic was soon recognized, and he was entered into their managerial training program. Mike spent the next 25 years moving through various management positions and relocations, eventually landing in Memphis, TN. With the demise of International Harvester in the mid-eighties, Mike began his second career on the sales team of Power & Telephone Supply, traveling throughout the southeastern United States, until his retirement in 2013.
Mike was a gifted athlete, playing hockey in his younger years and later taking his skills to the tennis courts. His lifelong affection for dogs, continued with the adoption of Maggie Rags, Mike and Judy’s constant companion during his latter years. An avid skier and boating enthusiast, he loved to spend time on the water, cruising through Pickwick Lake in his beloved watercraft, SeaBurbon.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, natural charm, and friendly demeanor. Mike’s beautiful spirit and loving nature will continue to resonate with his family and friends as we celebrate a life well lived!
Mike is preceded in heaven by parents, Charlotte and Bud Phillips, brother Patrick Phillips and sister Karen Korf.
He is survived by wife Judy Phillips of Jackson, TN; daughter Kimberly Weber and husband Scott of Denver, CO; daughter Karla West and husband Andy of Gulf Shores, AL; son Rob Phillips and wife Suzanne of Bastrop, TX; grandchildren Trey Weber, Jarrett Phillips, Andrew Phillips and Jackson Phillips; stepchildren Tina Perkins and husband Chad of Jackson, TN; Tom Mott and wife Katie of Jackson, TN; step grandchildren Bailey Carmack, Landon Perkins, Myles Perkins, Braden Mott, Bryce Mott and Jackson Jones; sister Patricia Fordyce and husband Bruce of Peoria, IL; sister Kathleen Wright and husband Eric of Canton, IL; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
SERVICES: A graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:00AM at Poplar Corner Cemetery.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Pickwick.
In the meantime, raise a glass or a Miller Lite to Mike and the memories that live on in our hearts!
“Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.”
Rossiter Worthington Raymond
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to: Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University parkway, Jackson, TN 38305 731.668.1111
