Levi Phillips

Levi W. Phillips Jr., 79 of Athens, TN passed away on September 27, 2022 at a health care facility in Rome, Georgia.

Levi W. Phillips Jr was born on June 9, 1943 to the late Levi W. Phillips Sr. and the late Jessie Mae Welch Phillips of Rome Georgia. Levi was the oldest of six children. He graduated from Main High School in Rome, GA in 1960. Levi worked with his father until he joined the United States Army in 1963. Levi obtained his Jump wings at Ft. Gordon, GA. And was assigned to the engineer battalion with the 101 ^st Airborne unit at Fort Canson, Colorado. Levi was a veteran of the Vietnam War and fought courageously until his term of enlistment  ended in 1967.

In August 29, 1966, He married the woman of his dreams, the late Joyce Faye (McClinic) Phillips. In 1967 Levi and Joyce welcomed their son Gary. At the end of his enlistment, Levi, Joyce and Gary returned to their hometown in Rome , GA. In 1968 they welcomed their second son, Timothy Alan. Levi began working at the Big K department store and worked his way up to assistant manager, at which time in 1970 Levi took a transfer to Athens, TN to work as the manager. Later that year, Levi and Joyce welcomed their twin sons, Rodney Lewis and Randall Lamar. In 1971 family friend Robert Jr. McCowan convinced Levi to join the Athens Police Department. In early 1972 Levi and Joyce welcome their 5 ^th son, Brian Montrel. Levi worked for the city of Athens Police Department and the city of Athens for 33 years. At the time of his retirement in 2004 Levi obtained the rank of captain. After retirement, Levi enjoyed spending time with his 5 sons, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by both his parents, Levi Phillips Sr., and Jessie Mae Welch- Phillips, his loving wife, Joyce Faye McClinic- Phillips, his son, Timothy Phillips, his brother, Robert Phillips Sr., and sisters, Janice Phillips, Ethel Phillips, and Belinda Phillips.

Leaving to cherish his memories and continue his legacy are his sons, Gary Phillips of San Diego, Ca., Rodney and Amy Phillips of Athens, TN, Randy and Regina Phillips of Cleveland, TN, and Brian Phillips of Chattanooga, TN. Grandchildren, Brandon and Maria Phillips, Gabrielle and Evan Lauer, Lyric Phillips, Timyrah Phillips, Trel and  Ashley Phillips, Tyler Phillips, Kyla Phillips, Katie Womack, Elizabeth Phillips, Nydaya Phillips, and Baleigh Phillips two great grand daughters. Mother-in-law, Katie Mae McClinic of Rome, GA, brother, Timothy Phillips of Rome, GA., and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, brother and sisters-in-love.

Home going services will be Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Light of Life International Ministries on Congress Parkway Athens, TN with Rev. Dr. Harold McCowan delivering the eulogy .The family will receive friends two hours before the service from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at McMinn Memory Gardens Athens, TN..

In compliance with COVID-19, social distancing will be observed and face mask are required. Service of loving memory are entrusted to M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home- Athens, TN.