Gary Phillips

Gary Dwayne Phillips, 57, went home to his Lord and Savior on August 10, 2024 at his home in Atlanta, Ga.

Gary Dwayne Phillips, affectionately known as Beanie, was born on January 24, 1967 in Colorado, Springs, CO to the late Levi and Joyce Phillips. Gary was the oldest of five children. He graduated from McMinn County High School in 1985. Gary joined the United States Marines and served his country in Operation Desert Storm. While in the Marines, Gary earned several medals and accolades. He was awarded the Rifle and Pistol Marksmen Badge, National Defense Service Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. Gary’s primary specialty and passion was being a military police officer. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton and loved San Diego so much that he made it his home after his honorable discharge. He began working for the San Diego Police Department in February 1992. Over the next thirty years he was  a detective for several divisions, including Gangs, Domestic Violence, and Homicide. At the time of his retirement in February 2022, he was serving the city of San Diego as an arson detective with the Metro Arson Strike Team.

Gary’s huge heart and love for everyone was evident in how he lived his life. He could find the best in everyone he encountered. His contagious smile and big hugs made us feel so loved. Gary embodied the phrase “ leave them better than you found them”.

He is preceded in death by both his parents, Levi Phillips Jr., and Joyce McClinic Phillips, and his brother Timothy Phillips.

Leaving behind to cherish his memories and continue his legacy are his brothers, Rodney and Amy Phillips of Athens, TN., Randy and Regina Phillips of Cleveland, TN., and Brian Phillips and Karen Phillips of Chattanooga, TN. Nieces, and nephews Brandon (Maria)Phillips, Gabrielle(Evan) Lauer, Lyric Phillips and Brandon Kile, Timyrah Phillips, Trel (Ashley) Phillips, Tyler Phillips, Kyla Phillips, Katie Womack, Elizabeth Phillips, Nydaya Phillips, and Baleigh Phillips, and a host of aunt, uncles, goddaughters, godsons, and his best friend/brother Marcus Ramsey.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home – Athens, TN with Rev. Larry Saunders officiating. The family will receive before the service from 11:00 a.m.until 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at McMinn Memory Gardens with Marine honor guard.

Services of loving memory entrusted to M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home – Athens, TN.