Walter Eugene Phillips, 64
Sharp – Walter Eugene Phillips, age 64 of Oliver Springs, won his race on Thursday, May 15, 2025. A man of many nicknames, he was affectionately known as Gene, Dino, Brother, Unc, and Blue but most importantly, beloved husband and Daddy.
He was born November 29, 1960 in LaFollette, the son of Walter and Lucille Phillips. Eugene, a devoted man of God, served as Deacon of Laurel Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Briceville for many years. He lived life to the fullest and was an avid outdoorsman. Gene enjoyed playing guitar especially at church, building jeeps and cars (big and little), spending “Garage Time” with his dad, brothers, cousins, and friends. His family remembers him as “the light in any room” often showing his humor and his kind heart.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Phillips; step-mother, Norma Phillips; father-in-law, Leroy Lansford; special cousin and best friend, Roger Phillips.
Left to cherish his memory is the love his life and wife of almost 44 years, Kendra Phillips; his daughter and baby girl, Kristin Lucille Phillips “Lil Blue”; father, Walter Phillips and his wife, Jean Vowell Phillips “Maw”; brothers, Michael “Jack” Phillips and wife Penny, Mark “Big Bird” Phillips and special friend, Angie Ellis; Richie “Bird” Phillips and wife Angel; sister, Tami “Sissy” “Poss” Kelley and husband Eugene “Geno”; mother-in-law, Maxine Lansford; sisters-in-law, Lisa, Monica, and Belinda. Also survived by a tribe of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, work family, and special friends who he loved dearly.
Receiving of Friends will be from 3-6 pm on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs. Funeral Service will begin at 6 pm with Brother Kenny Sharp and Audrey Goins officiating. A Graveside Service will be held at Laurel Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Briceville on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs.
Special thank you to Vanderbilt Medical Center Transplant Team, Palliative Care Team, and the staff on the 7th floor for their amazing care and dedication.
