The Life and
Times of Larry James Phillips
Larry James Phillips was the eighth of 13 children
born of the union of Ance Zebedee and Frankie Freeman Phillips on June 6, 1946
in Detroit, Michigan. He was educated in
the Detroit Public School system and completed his studies at Michigan State
University.
Larry began his career in telecommunications at
Michigan Bell and Western Electric. His
career garnered great success and took him from Detroit, to Savannah, Atlanta
and Chicago. After retiring from IBM, Larry returned to Atlanta, where he
continued to work at his leisure as a financial advisor and tax preparer. Before starting his career in telecom, Larry
proudly served his country as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. If you know Larry, you know that he embodied
the “knowledge is power” mantra. He was a wealth of knowledge and loved
teaching what he learned to others. This love fueled his many mentoring
relationships with younger colleagues, with his children and with many of his
nieces and nephews who would ask for his wisdom in navigating the corporate
climb.
If you know Larry, then you also know that he danced
to the beat of a different drummer; he lived a very full life and did things
his way. He met the love of his life
Tommie Teresa Whitaker over 30 years ago and she was a loving and compassionate
companion until the very end. Together,
they traveled the world visiting 5 of the 7 continents, experiencing and
enjoying the beauty and love that life has to offer. Most of his prized
possessions were photos and mementos acquired on their many journeys across the
globe.
Larry James Phillips was preceded in death by his
parents, one brother, Gerald
Michael and one sister, Carolyn
Diane and he transitioned from
this life on March 6, 2014. He leaves to cherish his memory three
children - Ance Zebedee James Phillips (Setette), Melissa Kay Cobb (Shawn) and
Devri Whitaker Reerink (Jack), six loving grandchildren; Matthew, Te’Shaunna
and Aneesah Phillips, Preston Cobb, and Willem and Tommie Reerink.
Larry will also be greatly missed by his siblings: Lou
Catherine Sasser (Bennie), Doris Jean Turner (Robert), Ance Zebedee Jr, Mable
Louise Ivory (Thomas), Frank Samuel, Lois Lewis, Yvonne, Darnell, Reginald
Bernard and Jacqueline, as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, family and
friends.
Pops, as you were so lovingly known,
your presence will be missed and your wisdom will be cherished. You are gone
but never forgotten. We love you Pops.
We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from
the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8
