Celebrating the life of
Dr. John Aldrick Phillips, Jr.
March 22, 1946 - May 27, 2025
Dr. John Aldrick Phillips, Jr., 79, of Midland, GA passed away May 27, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his wife and family.
A Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, GA with Father Winchel officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Greenwich Cemetery in Savannah, GA.
John was born March 22, 1946 in Savannah, GA son of the late John Aldrick Phillips, Sr. and Margaret Applewhite Phillips. He was a proud graduate of Benedictine Military School located in Savannah, GA in1964. He went on to attend and graduate with a B.S. degree from Saint Leo University in 1968. He also received his Master’s Degree and an Educational Specialist Degree from Georgia Southern University.His highest educational accomplishment was attaining his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University in 1981.Dr. Phillips committed his life to serving the advancement of public education throughout the nation. He served most recently as the sixth Superintendent of Schools in the Muscogee County School District from 2003-2008. He later served as interim superintendent from 2012-2013. The board honored Phillips in 2013 by awarding him emeritus status for “extraordinary and meritorious contributions to the fulfillment of the district’s mission and for his dedication to the Muscogee County School District,ensuring that this is a community that cherishes its public schools.” He previously served in the samerole in Rockdale County, Eanes Independent School District in Westlake, TX, and Bartow County Schools in Cartersville, GA. During his tenure, he also served in various leadership roles with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), Georgia School Superintendents Association, and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Having received many awards and recognitions throughout his years of service, Dr. Phillips was most proud of being named the 2010 recipient of the HM Fulbright Distinguished Service Award from GAEL.
Other than his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Phillips, and his sister, Jude Phillips Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Suzanne Smith Phillips of Midland, GA; sons, John A. Phillips III(Sonja) of Covington, GA, Brett Phillips (Susan) of Cairo, GA, Michael Phillips (Molly) of Thomasville, GA; grandchildren, David Miller (Kaleigh) of Conyers, GA, Haley Phillips (Nathan) of Griffin, GA, Cole Phillips(Dr. Elizabeth Brooks) of Nashville, TN, Joseph Austin Phillips (Mannon) of Covington, GA, Claire Phillips (Luke Hilderbrandt) of Adelaide, Australia; Madelyn Phillips of Covington, GA, Emalee Ryan Phillips of Cairo, GA, Parker Joseph Phillips of Columbus, GA, Olivia Anne Phillips of Thomasville, GA, Kai Xavier Phillips of Covington, GA; great grandchildren, Laiken Danielle Buice, Jaxon Levi Buice, Sandler Jacob Miller; sister, Margaret Michelle Whitledge; special niece, Dr. Meredith Smith, special nephews, Patrick Whitledge (Kami), Canada Smith; numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members; and his favorite lab, Beau.
Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Patrick Whitledge, Pat Johannsen, Steve Johannsen, Canada Smith, Shannon Mitchell, and Chip Fulmer.
In lieu of flowers contributions to Muscogee County Education Excellence Foundation, 214-A 10th St., Cols, GA 31901 or Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Rd, Cols, GA 31909.
Suzanne, so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. Will always remember the fun times we had at the GA / FL games with you and Johnny, Bo and Jan and other friends. May he Rest if Peace
- Drew Coleman, Canton, GA
Dear Phillips family, My condolences go out to you all during this time of loss. You are in prayers.
- Nonie Barton Youmans, Peachtree City, Georgia
To the Family of John Phillips, Jr., I send my deepest sympathy & condolences for his loss. Having shared a 60 year friendship with his sister Michelle, & remembering the Phillips family, may God shower all of you with peace & comfort in the time ahead.
- Carolyn Sheehan , Tybee Island , Ga
To the Phillips family. i am very saddened to learn of Johnny's passing. i was in K through 9 with johnny. we even worked a summer together at a shipyard in savannah. we always enjoyed each others company. he was a great guy and we all knew he would do well in life. what a shame he has gone. in summers when we were in grammer school Johnny, Tim Ansley , Joe Nielubowicz and several others aand i would meet at Barbees floating dock , strip and jump in the skidaway river swim across the river to the mud flat on the other side. we would swim, throw mud at each other and enjoy our selves until the tide changed and we could swim back with the tide helping us to cross the river. we could not have been older than 11 or 12. when i think about that now it frightens me. we would go back to mrs phillips house and bathe while she was kind enough to make us a sandwich. one time while swimming someone stole/ hid our clothes and we had to walk back to mrs phillips naked and we all borrowed some of johnnys cut off shorts. we hardly wore shirts in those days. it was a wonderful childhood for all of us. we were never BORED. johnny my friend, you are missed by your friends philip hinely
- PHILIP L. HINELY, GASTONIA, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Mon, June 02, 2025
- Greenwich Cemetery
-
330 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
