Obituaries

John L Phillips

Photo of John L Phillips
Dr. John L. Phillips Sr. was born on July 24th, 1929 in Almyra, AR, the son of the late Robert L. Phillips Sr. and Myrtle Garrison Phillips. He quietly entered into eternal life, surrounded by his family, on Friday, January 26, 2018. John attended Immanuel High School in Almyra, Ark. He graduated from the University of Ark. Pine Bluff, (formerly AM&N College), where he earned an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science & Education before going on to Graduate School at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he earned a Master's degree in Public School Administration. He later received the Doctor of Divinity degree from the Jackson Theological Seminary and continued professional development at Harding University School of Biblical Studies. John confessed a belief in Christ at an early age, nurtured by his parents, he remained faithful to the Lord and his faith grew. Later, he was ordained into the ministry. His ministerial career spanned over six decades including pastorates at Almyra, Marianna, Stuttgart, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway, Ark. Through the influence of his friend, Bro. Johnnie Lawrence, John became a member of the Church of Christ. He served as an associate minister with the McAlmont Congregation, the East Side congregation and was the full time Minister at the Harrison and Willow Street church of Christ in Conway, Ark. In 2004, he came to the Central church of Christ in Little Rock, where he served faithfully as a bible school teacher and Elder, until the end of his life. He enjoyed being an active member of the Senior Forerunner's Life Stage Group, as well as the Prayer Team and Visitation ministries. John, a veteran, served his country with the 5th Air Force Advanced, during the Korean War. He was discharged after finishing the last of his four years of duty at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga. While stationed in Valdosta, he taught and assisted the administration of the Valdosta Public Schools during the day. It was during that time that he met a young schoolteacher named Rhunette, whom he married and began a loving partnership of 60 years. To this union, three children were born; Johnnetta, John, and Jennifer. Dr. Phillips has a long and extensive career of educational service. He has served in every capacity during his educational career, from Classroom Teacher to Assistant Principal, High School Principal, Superintendent of School District, Associate Professor, Director of Upward Bound Program, College Administrator and President of Shorter College from 1980-1987. He was recruited by the State Department of Education to serve as Coordinator of the AR State Literacy Councils and later served as Independent Choices Enrollment Coordinator at DHS Division of Aging and Adult Services until retirement in 2001. Dr. Phillips had deep roots in the community and throughout the Central Ark. area. Throughout his career he was actively involved in promoting the greater good through his association in various civic and community organizations. John was a source of perpetual encouragement, a humble servant, a mentor and educator. He was a father figure to many, a quiet influential and effective leader. He sought to know others at their core and with a few questions, was able to help others see their mission. Most of all, he was a man of God, a devoted husband, a loving father, an adoring granddad and great granddad. We thank Our Heavenly Father for John and his loving wife, Rhunette; they were truly a wonderful example of faith, showing us that we can make it through the tough times and the good times of life by faith and the grace of God! He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Myrtle Phillips, brothers Lincoln, and Robert Philips, sister Deloris Dawson and his loving wife, Rhunette Phillips. He was also preceded by a dear son-in-law, Shelly L. Kelly. He leaves to cherish his precious memory daughters, Johnnetta Kelly, and Jennifer Phillips-Pounds, son, John L. Phillips, Jr., (Valerie), grandchildren, April Ellis, Christopher Kelly, Jonathan Phillips, (Mia), John Marcus Phillips, (Kara), Paul Kimbrough Jr., (Tina), Justin Pounds, Jayla Freeman, (Akil), and Jeremy Pounds. Additionally, six great-grandchildren, LaMya Kelly, Jillian Phillips, Jonathan Phillips II, Paul Kimbrough III, Seth Kimbrough, Noah George Phillips and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at the Central Church of Christ, LR, Ark. at 11 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2018. Visitation will take place 10:30 a.m. and a family reception will be held at the church fellowship hall following the services. Funeral services are entrusted to the Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

Published January 31, 2018

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