Mr. Raymond Edward Phillips

April 4, 1928 - January 16, 2019

Mr. Raymond E. "Ray" Phillips, 90, of Smithville died Wednesday January 16, 2019 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday January 18, 2019 at the Banks Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors. The Rev. Buck Kinney and Rev. Ron Perry will officiate. Mr. Phillips was born on April 4, 1928 in Baker County to the late E.V. "Pat" and Beatrice "Bea" Mason Phillips. He had lived in Smithville for the past 5 years moving there from Sumter County. Mr. Phillips was retired from the United States Post Office and was a veteran of the United States Navy having served in WWII. He was a Ham Radio Operator, and was a big help during the flood of 94, sending out important flood warnings and information. Mr. Phillips enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping. He was a member of the Hebron Baptist Church in Sumter County. Survivors include his wife Jean Mills-Phillips of Smithville; children, Anita Phillips Davis (Tommy) of Tallahassee, Fl, Rhenda Phillips Coxwell (Ed) of Albany, Ronnie Mills (Marlene) of Smithville and Melody Gilmer (James) of Albany; grandchildren, Tim Coxwell (Edye), Elizabeth Thorp (Jason), Beth Kinney (Buck), Katherine Brown (TJ), Jed Davis (April), Amy Ashton (Garrett), Brandon Mills, Michelle Hayes (Jim), Katie Gilmer and Kristin Gilmer; 16 great grandchildren; brother, Brinson Phillips and host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bobbie Hancock Phillips on November 20, 2009; brother, DeWaine Phillips and a sister, Louise Bigbie. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Banks Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hebron Baptist Church, c/o Peggy Israel, 1994 GA HWY 308, Smithville, GA 31787 or the Gideon's International Americus Camp, P.O. Box 722, Americus, GA 31709. Please sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com. Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of arrangements.