Dr. John Aldrick Phillips Jr.

1946 - 2025

Dr. John Aldrick Phillips, Jr., 79, of Midland, GA passed away May 27, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his wife and family.

A Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, GA with Father Winchel officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Greenwich Cemetery in Savannah, GA.

John was born March 22, 1946 in Savannah, GA son of the late John Aldrick Phillips, Sr. and Margaret Applewhite Phillips. He was a proud graduate of Benedictine Military School located in Savannah, GA in1964. He went on to attend and graduate with a B.S. degree from Saint Leo University in 1968. He also received his Master's Degree and an Educational Specialist Degree from Georgia Southern University. His highest educational accomplishment was attaining his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University in 1981.Dr. Phillips committed his life to serving the advancement of public education throughout the nation. He served most recently as the sixth Superintendent of Schools in the Muscogee County School District from 2003-2008. He later served as interim superintendent from 2012-2013. The board honored Phillips in 2013 by awarding him emeritus status for "extraordinary and meritorious contributions to the fulfillment of the district's mission and for his dedication to the Muscogee County School District,ensuring that this is a community that cherishes its public schools." He previously served in the samerole in Rockdale County, Eanes Independent School District in Westlake, TX, and Bartow County Schools in Cartersville, GA. During his tenure, he also served in various leadership roles with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), Georgia School Superintendents Association, and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Having received many awards and recognitions throughout his years of service, Dr. Phillips was most proud of being named the 2010 recipient of the HM Fulbright Distinguished Service Award from GAEL.

Other than his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Phillips, and his sister, Jude Phillips Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Suzanne Smith Phillips of Midland, GA; sons, John A. Phillips III(Sonja) of Covington, GA, Brett Phillips (Susan) of Cairo, GA, Michael Phillips (Molly) of Thomasville, GA; grandchildren, David Miller (Kaleigh) of Conyers, GA, Haley Phillips (Nathan) of Griffin, GA, Cole Phillips(Dr. Elizabeth Brooks) of Nashville, TN, Joseph Austin Phillips (Mannon) of Covington, GA, Claire Phillips (Luke Hilderbrandt) of Adelaide, Australia; Madelyn Phillips of Covington, GA, Emalee Ryan Phillips of Cairo, GA, Parker Joseph Phillips of Columbus, GA, Olivia Anne Phillips of Thomasville, GA, Kai Xavier Phillips of Covington, GA; great grandchildren, Laiken Danielle Buice, Jaxon Levi Buice, Sandler Jacob Miller; sister, Margaret Michelle Whitledge; special niece, Dr. Meredith Smith, special nephews, Patrick Whitledge (Kami), Canada Smith; numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members; and his favorite lab, Beau.

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Patrick Whitledge, Pat Johannsen, Steve Johannsen, Canada Smith, Shannon Mitchell, and Chip Fulmer.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Muscogee County Education Excellence Foundation, 214-A 10th St., Cols, GA 31901 or Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Rd, Cols, GA 31909.