Mr. Eugene Phillips, better known as Gene, age 91, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Gene was born on March 1, 1935, in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late Jeff and Jewell Neal Phillips. His work career included jobs at Thomas Industries and Mallory Timers. Gene was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He was an active member of Bear Cove Baptist Church, as well as being quite active with the Boy Scouts during his grandson’s youth. Gene's passion was playing bluegrass music with his banjo. In fact, he will be fondly remembered for his talent of being able to play anything with strings, in addition to his love for fishing and gardening.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife Ruby Jean Exum Phillips, who died August 25, 2008, and his brother Billy Gaines Phillips.
Surviving family members include his son, Billy Gene Phillips, and wife Susan.
Grandson: Jeremy Phillips and Renee Brown.
Great-grandchildren: Ashlynn Phillips and Callie Phillips.
Companion in life, Janette Smith.
Nephew: Steve Phillips and Vicki DeLeon.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 am Thursday, August 13, 2026, from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans’ Honor Guard will follow in Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 pm to 7 pm Wednesday at Hunter Funeral Home. Frank Derrick will officiate.
Jeremy Phillips, Steve Phillips, Mark Frasier, Braidyn Lewis, Dalton Barney and Frank Derrick will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Luther Parsley and Lester England.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
