He was born and grew up in Walnut Grove, the son of Jack and Maurine Bodenhamer Phillips. He was a 1959 graduate of Walnut Grove High School.

Mr. Phillips was an auto parts manager for Dahmer Chevrolet in West Palm Beach. He was a Navy veteran and member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include a son, Wesley, Goose Creek, S.C.; a daughter, Kelly Westgate, Baldwin; his mother, Walnut Grove; a sister, Nancy Creed, Walnut Grove; four grandchildren; and a companion, Jo Dumont.