Mr. Larry J. Phillips, 67

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