Ret/Msgt. Henry H. Phillips, Jr.

Ret/ MSGT. Henry H. Phillips, Jr., 91, of Valdosta, died on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Berrien County Hospital. Henry was born in Cuthbert, GA on June 18, 1929 to the late Henry Harris Phillips, Sr., and Julia Yancey Phillips. The United States Air Force brought Henry and family to Moody, A.F.B. in 1968. Henry was Moody’s NCO in charge and lead instructor for all Moody personnel small arms instruction and qualifications. Henry also competed as the number one shooter on the U.S.A.F pistol team, often bringing home first place trophies. Henry once instructed the 43rd President, George W. Bush during Bush’s early Air Force years. Henry volunteered his time to become range boss for the annual Civilian Marksman Program (CMP) National Matches to promote firearm safety and marksmanship training with emphasis on the youth at Camp Perry, Ohio. Henry remained at Moody until his Air Force retirement in 1971. Henry’s commitment to Berrien County and his enjoyment of sports allowed him to volunteer his spare time as an after school bus driver between Alapaha, Enigma, and West Berrien schools picking up junior high schoolers to transport them to football practice every week during the football season. Henry’s commitment to Berrien County and Nashville didn’t stop with sports. Henry served his community by becoming a Nashville Police Officer (NPD) and was selected as the Director of Berrien County’s first Ambulance Service. In the late 80’s, Henry was called back to Moody as a civil service employee in the Air Force Transportation Department where he once again retired 1992, to begin relaxing and fishing with his lovely wife Melba.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Melba Ruth Phillips, of Valdosta; one daughter, June Griner, and her husband James Griner of Nashville: two sons; Henry Harris Phillips, III, and his wife, Cathy Jean Phillips of Valdosta; Dr. Stanley Michael Phillips, Sr., and his wife; Lisa Nicole Phillips of Lawrence, KS. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Terri (Trae) Craven of Nashville, GA, Chris Griner of Shelbyville, IN, Kim (Robert) Fordham of Greenfield, IN, Shane Armstrong of Chicago, IL, Amanda (Sam) Owens of Leesburg, GA, Stanley Michael Phillips, Jr. of Corpus Christi, TX, Ragan Phillips of Lawrence, KS; nine great grandchildren; Cullen (Taylor) Griffin, Brooke Griffin, Henry Craven, Devin, Emily, and Landon Fordham, Kaylie Davis, Tyson Ecker, Wesley Cook; one great great granddaughter, Jupiter of Valdosta; and Henry’s sisters Hazel Keaton of Bronwood, GA and Betty Manor of Dahlonega, GA; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 11a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Roy Castleberry officiating. Burial will follow at Nashville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends before the service from 10-11 a.m. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.