James Franklin Phillips

James Franklin Phillips, age 87, of Snellville, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, January 29, 2026, just miles from where he was born on March 7, 1938, the only son of adoring parents John and Cleo (Williams) Phillips.

He lived a life devoted to his faith, family, friends, and to the community that he loved and helped to grow from a small town of about 200 to the diverse metro city of more than 20,000 that it is today. As a child he ran barefoot among cousins and lifelong friends down Snellville's earliest dirt roads. As a teen he woke up at 5am to open his uncle's gas station at the intersection of 78 and 124 before school, graduating in 1956 from the original Snellville High School. That work ethic propelled him in his many businesses including building some of Snellville's earliest homes and later developing some of Snellville's most important city centers.

He will be remembered for the tenacity that sustained him to the end, for the integrity he showed in good times and bad, and, most endearingly, for the good humor that kept us laughing through life's ups and downs. Like his parents before him, he was a faithful, lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Snellville. He was instrumental in keeping alive the tradition of the Phillips Family Reunion for 75 years as one of the few remaining who was first there in 1950.

He is preceded in death by his parents, by many loving uncles, aunts, and cousins, and his much-loved son Barry Phillips. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner, Darlene (Lawson) Phillips who brought him great joy for the last 38 years of his life, steadfast in her love and care of him till the end. He is also survived by his most favorite daughter and her husband, Sherrie and Ted Smith, and his dedicated and loyal son Kenny Byrd; his oldest grandchild Tori (and Jason) Burkholder; his granddaughter Alex (and Matthew) Slayton; his grandson Johnny (and Ashley) Rabon; his granddaughter 1st Lt. Madison Byrd, USMC; his granddaughter Summer (and Ansley) Byrd; and his beloved great-grandchildren: Camden, Mason, William, Caroline, Maggie, Charlotte, Charlie, James, Kade, Kian, and Beckham; and sister-in-law Shirley Lawson.

He was the best of the best, cherished by family, friends, and this community. He will be missed, but we know that he is looking forward to reuniting in Heaven. Until then, please join the family for a celebration of his life on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 2 pm at The Church on Main, Snellville, GA. The service will take place in the Green Room due to the current reconstruction of the main sanctuary with the service being officiated by Rev. Ken Collier. Burial will follow at Snellville Historical Cemetery, Snellville, GA. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026, from 5 PM until 8 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Snellville Historical Society to help preserve the history that James held so dear. Checks can be made payable to Snellville Historical Society, in memory of James Phillips to 2105 Randolph Still Rd, Good Hope, GA 30641.

Thank you to all those who shared their time, stories, and love with James and the entire Phillips family. We are grateful.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Heritage Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.