Rev. David Lee Phillips, 82, of Milan passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ripley Crossing in Milan. David was born on December 24, 1943, in Cincinnati, the beloved son of Ernest and Charlotte (Blankenship) Phillips.
On July 3, 1965, after only knowing her for 3 weeks, David married the love of his life, Georgia (Stamper) Phillips. Their marriage of more than 60 years was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and devotion, and she survives him. David loved Georgia deeply, and their lifelong partnership was evident to everyone who knew them. A friend recently shared with the family, “If your dad loved you even half as much as he loved Georgia, then you were truly well loved.”
David proudly served his country in the United States Navy, something he carried with great pride throughout his life. Following his calling to ministry, he attended Freewill Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tennessee. David faithfully served the Lord as a pastor for more than 30 years in Indiana, as well as 10 years in Arkansas and 4 years in Tennessee. Sharing the love of Jesus and teaching God’s Word was the center of his life. He had a deep passion for reading and studying the Bible and guiding others in their faith.
David and Georgia also opened their hearts and home to children in need, serving as foster parents to more than 70 children over the years. Their compassion and willingness to care for others left a lasting impact on countless lives.
In his free time, David enjoyed traveling and fishing, but his greatest joy was always his family. He cherished every moment with those he loved and held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he adored.
David will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his kind and generous heart, and the love he shared with his family, his church, and everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.
David will be missed by his wife Georgia Phillips of Milan; son Lonnie (Rena) Phillips of Milan; daughters Amy Phillips of Milan, Rachel (Don) Davis of Aurora, Teresa Hayes of Jonesboro Arkansas, Jodi Phillips of Warsaw, IN, Jeanna Brock of Cincinnati, and Julie Roberts of Cincinnati; brother Chester Phillips of Peppertown; sister Freda (Charlie) Feller of Brookville; brother-in-law Leonard Sims of Milan; 24 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
David was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Charlottle Phillips; sisters Fae Sims and Louise Claxon; and sister-in-law Judy Phillips.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Bridge of Hope Worship Center: 4050 E County Rd 50 S, Milan, IN 47031. Services will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Roland Luthy and Pastor Harris Long officiating. Military rites will be provided by Milan American Legion Post #235. Memorials may be given in honor of David to the family or Milan First Baptist Church.
Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements: 707 S. Main St., PO Box 243, Milan, IN 47031; (812) 654-2141. Please visit our website at www.lawscarrmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of David.