Don Devan Phillips

Don Devan Phillips, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Union City, Georgia. Born on January 22, 1934, to Hugh Devan Phillips and Julia Bell Hudson Phillips, Don grew up in Magnolia, Alabama. He was raised in a loving and structured family setting. The family enjoyed having meals together, especially breakfast and dinner. Don grew up during a time when the family worked, played, and prayed together. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age at Pleasant Hill A.M.E. Church in Magnolia, Alabama. Don attended public schools in Magnolia, Alabama, and graduated from Marengo County High School in Dixon Mill, Alabama. He attended college at Selma University in Selma, Alabama. His college trek was followed by his enlistment in the US Army at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. His basic training was in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Afterwards, he ventured to Germany. He had a stellar military career and received numerous awards. Don was honorably discharged from the army in 1956. After the army, Don attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. Of course he partied like a big dog but during this time, he met and developed lifetime friends. It was here that he met and fell in love with the sweetest woman, Bessie Mae Cook. She transferred from Alabama State University to complete her degree at Alabama A&M. They dated and eventually eloped after she graduated from college. They were married November 22, 1958. Two years later in 1960, a beautiful baby girl was born to this union. Their pride and joy – Papoose! Belinda Gail Phillips was born in her paternal grandparents’ home in Magnolia, Alabama. Shortly after, the couple relocated with their infant to Atlanta, Georgia. Don was a brick mason by trade and a skilled auto mechanic. His wife Bessie was a teacher. They thrived as a happy and loving couple. They thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and having fun. Don’s driveway became the community meeting spot for grilling, smoking, and drinking. He was a friend to community members near and far. His favorite pastime was talking on his CB radio. His handles were Buzzy Miller and Fireball 542. He was affectionately called “Big D” by many friends and loved ones. Don was preceded in death by his wife Bessie in 1985. He became a hot commodity. He was suave, handsome, well-dressed, well-groomed, quick-witted, and the perfect arm candy! Lord, have mercy! The young, the old, the short, the tall were all after him! They (the ladies) had no clue what they were getting themselves into. One of his sayings was, “It ain’t easy” meaning it was not easy being Don Devan Phillips! Indeed, Don was quite a man-a devoted family man, a committed friend, and a hard-working businessman. Don was also predeceased by his parents, a sister Loretta Penn, and a brother Wilbert M. Phillips. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: devoted daughter Belinda Gail Phillips Burney, two precious granddaughters, Riana Alia Burney and Rashana Alise Burney; sisters Evelyn Hildreth and Ruby Elaine Appling; Aunt Merita Moore (Daniel), sister-in-law, Joyce Robinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Celebration of Life Service for Don D Phillips will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11AM. This service will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/4337447

Tributes

Don Devan Phillips

January 22, 1934 - May 26, 2024