James "Randy" Phillips

James Randy Phillips

Stapleton, GA  –         James “Randy” Phillips, 71, peacefully entered into his eternal rest Thursday evening, December 12, 2019, at Pinewood Place in Goose Creek SC.  Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 P.M. Monday afternoon, December 16, 2019 with Rev. John Jenkins and Rev. Gary Hadden officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Reedy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

One of three children born to the late Christine Velma Thigpen Phillips and the late George Phillips, Randy grew up in Stapleton and graduated from Wrens High School.  He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age, joining in the membership of Reedy Creek Baptist Church. A proud patriot, he served our country in the Army during Vietnam. Upon his return from the military, he worked as an agronomist with Gold Kist for 20 +/- years.  During this time, the company moved him and his family to several locations—Springfield GA, Elloree SC and Vance SC. Randy then drove a truck for Tucker Oil Distributors servicing the farmers in the Orangeburg area. After retiring, he returned to his beloved home place in Stapleton where he loved to farm and work on tractors.  He also enjoyed going to equipment sales:  he was into anything to do with farming. When his health declined, Randy moved into the Pinewood Place Assisted Living in Goose Creek in order to be closer to his children.  He lived a “simple” life, and met adversity with a calm, positivity and a smile.  He never met a stranger—a stranger was just a friend he had not yet met.  He was a “talker” and wanted to get to know everyone he met, sharing ideas and experiences. Randy loved his family unconditionally and was most content in their presence.  A loving father, devoted son and brother, and loyal friend, he was a man of his word and well-respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those left to cherish his memories include his children, Brad Phillips (Kelli), Michael Phillips (Kimberly) and Crystal P. Rather (Richard); siblings, A. G. Phillips (Joyce) and Catherine Phillips (Reggie); ten grandchildren, Dustin Phillips, Chase Phillips, Chelsey Phillips, Kaylan Phillips, Michael Phillips Jr., Kolton Phillips, Joseph Aguirre, Nicholas Aguirre, Tyler Rather and Haylee Rather; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.  Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Frost, Christopher Kerr, Coy Ott, Brenton Phillips, Tyler Rather and Jason Strock.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. Monday afternoon, December 16, 2019, prior to the funeral service.

The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to Edisto Home Care and Hospice as well as the staff of Pinewood Place for the excellent, professional care give to Randy, especially in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Randy’s honor may be made to Reedy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1128 Reedy Creek Church Road, Stapleton GA 30823.