Jimmy Richard Phillips, 79, of Mills River, NC, went home to heaven on Tuesday, September 21, 2016, following an extended illness. He was born on January 30, 1937 in West Asheville, NC. He was preceded in death by parents, James Madison and Clota Hunter Phillips, siblings, Claude Thomas Phillips and Patricia Phillips Davis, and his son, Christopher Lee Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Annette Nicholson Phillips, son Jimmy R. (Rick) Phillips, Jr., step-children, Elizabeth Phillips Simpson and David Lancaster-Phillips, and daughter-in-law Karen B. Murphy (Don). Jimmy is also survived by grandchildren, Sean Gevedon, Nicholas Simpson, Jennifer Phillips, Ashley Phillips, and Holly Phillips, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He graduated from Etowah High School in 1956. Jimmy served 3 years in the US Army National Guard, 4 years in the United States Navy, and 1 year in the Naval Reserve. He was a former Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Leader and Trustee of Holly Springs Union Chapel. He is a member of Brevard Community Church. He worked as a machine operator and courier at the local DuPont Plant and retired after 26 years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and deer hunting, as well as woodworking. Thanks to Hendersonville and Transylvania Care Partners day cares, Dr. V Templeton at Memory Care for 12 years of treatment and guidance through the maze of dementia. A memorial service will be held at 11am at Brevard Community Church on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holly Springs Union Chapel, Karen Murphy, Treasurer, 27 Goldmine Road, Mills River, NC 28759. On line condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.