Rod Phillips

1923 - 2017

Rod Phillips

Memphis, tn

Rod Phillips, beloved Memphis photographer, was born December 15, 1923, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, December 2, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Frances Phillips, and two brothers, Russell Franklin Phillips and Lt. Colonel Jack Wilson Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Geneva Ford Phillips "Genny"; three sons, Rodney, Jr. "Chip" (Chantal), Frank Ford Phillips, M.D. "Spike" (Becca), Jeff Phillips; seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Rod served his country in WWII as a Navy Photographer. He was a former member of the Professional Photographers of America, Memphis Photography Guild and Evidence Photographers of America. He coached baseball and basketball as a volunteer in the Raleigh Optimist League and Raleigh Presbyterian Church, leading several teams to championships. He coached Broadmoor Briarcrest basketball in 1975-76, winning the Briarcrest Elementary League Championship. While coaching basketball in the Raleigh Optimist League, many parents would write on their applications "if possible, could my son play on Rod Phillips' team." In 1967, Rod founded Shelby Big Eight Youth Football, which later evolved into Shelby Youth Sports. In 2009, Rod was inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. He loved the game of golf and enjoyed the company of his "geezer" golf buddies at Audubon. He made a hole-in-one and that was a fabulous moment for him. In 1973, he was stricken with the Guillian's-Barre virus and was completely paralyzed and visually impaired but battled his way back to his photography and provision of his family. He continued coaching youth basketball. Rod's faith in Jesus Christ was unshakable. He never complained of the multiple health issues he endured and always had a friendly word to everyone he met. Rod was a happy soul and an inspiration to all who knew him, most particularly his family whom he adored. He loved God, his country, and the City of Memphis. The late Mayor Henry Loeb was a long-time customer and friend and presented Rod with a Key to the City. Rod enjoyed all his customers of many years and after photographing weddings over 50 years, he decided to specialize in aerial photography, an art in which he excelled but in 2007, the Guillian's-Barre virus returned, and he was forced to retire at age 83. His love of people was manifested in his beautiful smile and sweet spirit. He was his wife's knight in shining armor and a hero to his boys. He will be eternally loved and missed. The family would like to say a special "Thank You" to the caregivers from Methodist Hospice and request any memorials be made to the Memphis Union Mission. Graveside service will be held in Memorial Gardens on Germantown Parkway on Tuesday, December 5 at 2 p.m. Online condolences can be made at www.familyfuneralmemphis.com.