Donald Curtis Phillips, “Smokey”, age 80 passed away Saturday, April 28th, 2012 after a long illness with pneumonia, Leukemia, and Alzheimers with his loving family at his bedside.
He was born April 18th, 1932 in West Palm Beach, Florida to the late Lester and LeLa Phillips.
He graduated from Warren County High School in McMinnville, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. His passions were fishing and golfing- right along with the University of Tennessee Volunteers. His blood ran orange.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty L. Phillips; one son, Jeffrey Curtis Phillips of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Sheila Ann Weisensale (Steve) of Richmond, VA; one sister, Lois Tate, (Harold) of Birmingham, AL; one brother, A.L. Phillips (Mildred) and one sister, Elaine Neal (Kenny) of McMinnville; and several neices and nephews.
Don served his country in the United States Air Force in Okinawa, Japan and Germany for 22 1/2 years. He also retired from the Tullahoma Post Office, where he was a rural route carrier for 12 years. Mr. Phillips learned to play golf when he joined the Air Force and had his first hole- in-one at the age of 62. He loved all sports.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 from 12 Noon to 2pm at Kilgore Funeral Home with the funeral service immediately following at 2pm in the Chapel.
Burial will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that you please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association, 201 West Lincoln Street, Tullahoma, TN, 37388.
Kilgore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.