Mr. John Phillips

September 8, 1930 - August 8, 2013

Deacon John Phillips "BIG JOHN", departed this life on August 8, 2013 at home with his beloved and devoted wife and son at his bedside. He was born September 8, 1930 in Edgecombe County, NC. He was the son of the late Cullen Phillips and the late Carrie Bullock Phillips. Of that union ten children were born. and eight of which have preceded John in death. He was also preceded in death by two of his sons: John, Jr. and Curtis Knight. He joined Mark's Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and remained faithful in Sunday School, worship service, and singing in the choir. He along with his wife enjoyed visiting "Restoration Church of Christ" in Wilson, NC of which his daughter Florence is the pastor. Deacon Phillips was a retired truck driver. He drove trucks for Nash Brick Company for twenty eight years. This job carried him near and far down the dangerous highways with God as his guide. After he retired from driving trucks, he became a custodian at Abbott Lab in Rocky Mount, NC. He retired from there after fifteen years of service. He didn't stop there, he then joined The Royal Maintenance Company and cleaned different office buildings until his health began to fail him. Big John loved singing about the Lord and sang with several different gospel groups. His last singing group was "Big John and The Cross Jordan Singers". They sang together for twenty four years and made several CD's. Their last reunion was on December 4, 2011. John was a good husband, father, grandfather, and sweet brother. He took his illness patiently and of good courage. He fought the good fight of faith! His favorite words while going through his illness was, "Fix It", "Is it straight", and "Thank you Jesus!" His favorite scripture was the twenty third Psalm. His survivors are: his beloved wife, "His Sweetie Pie", of sixty-two years, Sarah Walker Phillips; his children: Harvey of Charlotte, NC, Florence Nicholson (Dennis) of Rocky Mount, NC, Lee (Josephine) of Rocky Mount, NC, Nelson of the home, Michael (Valerie) of Virginia Beach, VA,; his niece, whom he called his daughter, Darlene (Raymond) Pittman of Battleboro, NC; fifteen grandchildren, twelve great-granchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; one beloved sister, Joanne (William) Pope of Rocky Mount, NC; one devoted brother-in-law, Howard Walker of the home; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A devoted long time friend, Robert (Uncle Bob) Cherry. "Go on Daddy, and take your rest! We love you so dearly and will miss you so much!!! You will always live forever in our hearts!" -Your Children