AMERICUS — Mr. Raymond E. “Ray” Phillips, 90, of Smithville died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

The funeral service was held at 3 p.m. on Friday Jan. 18, 2019, at Banks Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in the Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors. The Rev. Buck Kinney and the Rev. Ron Perry officiated.
Mr. Phillips was born on April 4, 1928, in Baker County to the late E.V. “Pat” and Beatrice “Bea” Mason Phillips. He had lived in Smithville for the past five years moving there from Sumter County.

Mr. Phillips was retired from the United States Post Office and was a veteran of the United States Navy having served in World War II. He was a Ham Radio Operator, and was a big help during the flood of ‘94, sending out important flood warnings and information. Mr. Phillips enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping. He was a member of the Hebron Baptist Church in Sumter County.

Survivors include his wife Jean Mills-Phillips of Smithville; children, Anita Phillips Davis (Tommy) of Tallahassee, Fla., Rhenda Phillips Coxwell (Ed) of Albany, Ronnie Mills (Marlene) of Smithville. and Melody Gilmer (James) of Albany; grandchildren, Tim Coxwell (Edye), Elizabeth Thorp (Jason), Beth Kinney (Buck), Katherine Brown (T.J.), Jed Davis (April), Amy Ashton (Garrett), Brandon Mills, Michelle Hayes (Jim), Katie Gilmer. and Kristin Gilmer; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Brinson Phillips; and host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bobbie Hancock Phillips on Nov. 20, 2009; brother, DeWaine Phillips and a sister, Louise Bigbie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hebron Baptist Church, c/o Peggy Israel, 1994 Ga. Highway 308, Smithville GA 31787 or the Gideon’s International Americus Camp, P.O. Box 722, Americus GA 31709.
Please sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com.
Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of arrangements.