James Kenneth Phillips

Kenny Phillips, 62, of Huntsville passed away Thursday, June 18th, at Huntsville Hospital. Visitation will be at Valhalla Funeral Home on Saturday, June 20th from 12:00 – 3:00 pm, with services beginning at 3:00 pm in the Valhalla Chapel.

Kenny was born in Albertville, AL to Melvin and Bonnie Phillips, and moved to Huntsville in the 1970’s after serving in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman. He married his wife, Debbie, in 1978, and they lived a happy life of adventure together. Most of their time was spent travelling the roads on his motorcycle. They saw places such as Canada, Alaska, New England, the Grand Canyon, Ground Zero, Niagara Falls, Key West and various sand dunes along the way. He was a man of honesty and kindness, and he raised many kids to be the same way. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger and always had a joke on hand to make you smile. He loved his family with all of his heart - and he will be missed- but his legacy will live on through them.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Phillips; his son, Jason (Aletha) Phillips of Guntersville; his daughter, Pamela (Matt Carter) Benson of Huntsville, and four oh-so-loved grandsons, Dominic Slade Phillips, Kellen James Phillips, Jaxon Heath Benson and Alex Lee Carter. He also had 17 foster children that called him “Dad.” Also living are his grandmother, Nelda Pounds of Boaz; his mother, Bonnie Phillips of Albertville; brother, Michael (Charlotte) Phillips of Arab; and a friend for most of his living years, Jim Burdette of Owens Cross Roads. He leaves behind three brothers-in-law, Bobby, Tommy and Jimmy Hamilton, all from Huntsville; a sister-in-law, Sandy Whitt of New Market and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins too. His extended family includes countless friends spanning 10 states. His friends were as cherished as his family.

Kenny enjoyed visiting with his family, eating ice cream, Terry’s pizza, KFC, gummy bears and unsweet tea. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, kids and grandsons- when he wasn’t riding his motorcycle, of course. Never was a man so full of life and willing to share it…