Donald M. Phillips

11/10/1945 - 04/22/2021

Obituary For Donald M. Phillips

Donald M. Phillips,75, of Lanett, Alabama passed away on April 22, 2021, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham Alabama.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT at Bluffton Funeral Services in Lanett, Alabama, followed by a Memorial service at the Chapel of Bluffton Funeral Services at 2:00 pm EDT.

He was born November 10, 1945, at West Point Hospital in Georgia to parents Cora Owens Phillips (Mother) and Alvin Guy Phillips (Father). Don graduated Valley High School in 1964. He was a graduate of Jacksonville State University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degree. He served honorably as a 1st Lieutenant for The U.S. Army in Military Intelligence and saw combat in Vietnam from February 1969 to January 1971. He was awarded the Bronze Star in 1971 by the Army and the Cross of Gallantry by the government of the Republic of Vietnam. After his service overseas he returned home to complete his Master of Public Administration degree and Juris Doctor degree from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1975. While in attendance at The University of Alabama he was awarded the Dean’s Award April 5th, 1975. Don was a member of the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board, the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society, and the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. He passed his bar exam in September 1975 and worked for the Alabama Attorney General’s office for one year. Don opened his law practice in Lanett, Alabama 1976 and ran it till his death in 2021.

Don Phillips was a devoted father and avid traveler. He enjoyed cruises and had traveled to over 60 countries. He enjoyed reading books about science and history. Don was a self-proclaimed generalist as he loved to learn about everything he could. His wide array of knowledge on varies subjects made him a brilliant problem solver for many of his loved ones, never turning down a difficult situation.

Don is survived by his wife, Joycee M. Phillips; his children Donald M. Phillips Jr., Hilary A. Phillips (Her children Lee and Porter), Cherith E. Phillips, and Corbin J. Phillips.

He is predeceased by his parents Cora O. Phillips, Alvin G. Phillips; sister Martha R. Pike, grandparents Warner M. Phillips, Alice M. Phillips, Lum Owens, Clara M. Owens.

“Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.” – Mark Twain

Services have been entrusted to Bluffton Funeral Services, Lanett, Alabama.

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