Gerald Wayne Phillips

1937 - 2021

Gerald Wayne Phillips
Gainesville - Gerald Wayne Phillips, 83, died on February 21, 2021, with his family by his side in Gainesville, Florida. He was born in a little town in the Everglades called Pahokee on March 17, 1937, where he grew up and graduated from Pahokee High School in 1957. He served in the United States Army from 1959-1962 and followed this by serving in the United States Army National Guard from 1962-1965 while achieving the rank of Sergeant. He met the love of his life when he was stationed at Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA. They returned to Florida where they began a family in Pahokee, eventually moving next door to his brother, Charles, in Bronson, FL, in 1972. He worked and provided for his family diligently through the years. Their house was the home of many friends who came and went -- warm, friendly, welcoming.
He worked for Glades Correctional Institution briefly and then as an electronic switch technician for Bell South for over 35 years until his retirement in 1999.
Gerald was a lifelong Gator fan, even becoming a Gator Booster from 1979-1984 (and the refs were always cheating for the other team). If he wasn't leading "Wilbur" cheers (for all-American UF linebacker Wilbur Marshall) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, he was usually hurling a bit of repelling language at the TV during away games.
He was always proud to be from Pahokee, home of M-M-Mel Tillis and enjoyed laughing and spending time with his high school friends and Army buddies. Throughout life, he never met a stranger. He could spot a person in a crowded room who was down or otherwise overlooked, and then lift his or her spirit and try to make them smile. He had an enduring sense of humor and often quietly helped those in need. He couldn't just tell something without embellishing an amusing narrative or suspenseful play-by-play action. To honor him, you can carry on his legacy of love, laughter, & fellowship.
He is predeceased by his parents, Albert Phillips, Sr. and Nellie Dawes Phillips, brothers and sisters Albert Phillips, Jr., Carol (Buddy) Hodges, Charles (Linda) Phillips, Barbara (Bill) Bass, and Richard (Sarah) Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie B. Phillips, sons Bruce (MaryAnn) of Orlando, FL, and John of Panama City Beach, FL; daughter Elizabeth of Bronson, FL; grandsons Luke and Zack, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church of Bronson, FL, on Friday, February 26, at 2pm followed by interment at Rosemary Hill Cemetery in Bronson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bronson United Methodist Church at PO Box 1269, Bronson, FL 32621. Due to the current Covid -19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing be observed and a mask worn. Knauff Funeral Home of Williston is honored to serve the Phillips family.