Howard Ray Phillips

"There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face."

Howard Ray (Uncle Howie, Grandpa Howie, Papa) Phillips passed away February 15, 2014 at home in Athens, Georgia after a short illness. Born in Bellville, OH August 26, 1949, he attended Bellville public schools including Clear Fork High School where he played baseball, basketball and football. Howard moved to San Diego, California in 1956 attending Morris High School for his senior year. Howard spent most of his life in sales, and loved coaching Little League over the years. Over the course of his life, Howard spent time in Bellville, OH, San Diego, CA, Pueblo, CO, Texline, Texas, Santa Fe, NM and Athens, GA working the last 10 years at Lowes in Snellville, GA.
He is survived by his mother Helen O'Leary Phillips, brothers Robert Phillips and Steve Phillips (all of El Cajon, CA) and four children, Samantha Anastasis of Gambrills, MD, Steve Phillips of Athena, GA, Kathleen Phillips Wert of Crofton, MD and John Phillips of Athens GA, son in law John Anastasis, daughter in law Julie Phillips, and daughter in law Melissa Phillips. His eleven grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. Christopher, Jack, Niki, Hayes, Angel, Quinn, Eli, Bella, Lanie, Sam and Luke will miss Grandpa Howie's stories, singing, love and laughter. He will live on in the songs and stories he passed on.
Howard was preceded in death by his father, Edward Phillips and his brother James Phillips.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;

The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,

And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;

But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.


A celebration of life service will be held April 19, 2014 in Athens, GA. All are welcome to share with his family in this celebration of his legacy. Memorial donations may be made to John Phillips Medical Fund.