Davis Phillips

Davis Lee Phillips departed this life on January 14, 2014, at age 68. He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Regina, and their children, Leanna Smith (Barry), Cary Jones (Danette), Theresa Bradley (Jeffrey R.), and Steven Jones (Melissa); five grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Braden Smith and Ethan, Madison, and Emma Jones; an aunt, Mrs. H.D. Alexander (Edwina) of Auburn, who was his mother figure from the time he was 16; and cousins whom he always considered sisters, Cheryl Alexander Brown Khare (Joe) of Shepherdstown, West Virginia and Janie Alexander Campbell (Bill) of Montgomery. His parents were William Lee Phillips, originally of Ticonderoga, New York, and Margaret Hazel (Alexander) Phillips of Piedmont, Alabama. His parents both died the year he was seven. He then lived with his mother’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman G. Alexander, in the Piedmont, Alabama area until their death the year he was 16 when he went to live with his uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. Herman Davis Alexander of Auburn, and their daughters, Cheryl and Janie. They were the anchors in his life for so many years, and going to Auburn was always going “home.” His final request was to express one last time how thankful and blessed he always felt because there were so many people throughout his life who were willing to accept him and love him as their own. In 1966, Mr. Phillips received an Associate of Science degree from Marion Military Institute where he was honored to serve as cadet brigade commander his final year. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama and entered the United States Army as a second lieutenant in January 1970. After three years in the military service, he was employed by the Social Security Administration in March 1973 until his retirement in January 2008 as Deputy Assistant Regional Commissioner, Processing Center Operations for the Atlanta Region. Mr. Phillips was a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham and recently had the great honor of being ordained as Deacon. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and he considered his family the greatest blessing of his life.
A graveside service will be Friday, January 17, 2014, at 9:30 AM at Alabama National Cemetery with funeral services following at 11 AM at Briarwood Presbyterian Church Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Phillips requests donations to the Briarwood Mercy Ministry fund or to a charity of the giver’s choice.