Thomas Edwin Phillips, 72, passed peacefully at his home on October 25. Tom was a lifelong resident of Huntsville. He was the son of Ralph W. (Doc) and Vivian Caneer Phillips. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1967, attended UAH and the University of Alabama.
In 1975 Tom met the love of his life, Debi Nayman Tines. He was devoted to Debi and her daughter, Gina. Tom and Debi were married in 1987.
Tom managed Doc Phillips Service Station for several years, then managed a Western Auto Parts Store and later was Quality Control Manager for CGR Products in Decatur.
In junior high and high school, Tom excelled as a football player. He took great pride and joy in those playing years. In 1966 his Huntsville High School team advanced all the way to #3 in the state! And his teammates remained dear to his heart all his life. Tom loved Alabama football and was a skilled fisherman, as can be seen by the trophy fish that were displayed throughout his home.
Tom served in the Alabama National guard as a helicopter mechanic. He graduated from Basic Training at Fort Campbell, KY. He completed his helicopter maintenance training at Fort Rucker, AL.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Debi Phillips, and his sister, Sara Fry. He is survived by his brother, Ralph Phillips, Jr. and wife, Kathy; brother-in-law, Howard Fry; stepdaughter, Gina Matlock and husband Bobby; grandchildren, Frankie Leigh Smith, Andrew Thomas Rogers, and Nikki Lynn Matlock; nephew, Bradley Phillips, and nieces, Anna Smith, and Kristey Fry.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home on Thursday, November 11. The Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:30 p.m., with Reverend David Berryhill officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
