Kenneth Lee Phillips

Kenneth "Kenney" Lee Phillips, 77, of Paragould, left this temporary home to enter into Paradise on Sunday, September 15, 2024. He was born in Paragould on May 20, 1947, to Jack Fredrick Phillips and Voneeda Akins.

Kenney graduated from Rector High School and furthered his education by earning an Associate's degree in Business from Southern Illinois University. Throughout his career, he dedicated 25 years as a supervisor at LA Darling and Emerson Electric before transitioning to a successful 14-year career as a car salesman at Cavenaugh Auto.

Renowned for his love of apple pies and his passion for NASCAR, particularly relishing re-runs of races featuring his favorite driver, #3 Dale Earnhardt, Kenney embraced life with an unwavering spirit and enthusiasm. His service in the National Guard and his religious devotion as a member of Fairview Baptist Church exemplified his commitment to duty and faith.

Kenney is survived by his loving spouse, Rhonda Phillips; daughters, Amanda (Seth) Johnson and Miranda (DJ) Ricker; cherished grandchildren, Foster, Oliver, and Lynden Johnson; beloved fur babies, Rufus Lee (dog) and Morris Timothy III (cat); and granddog, Annie Kate Ricker. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Hubert Walter Akins; grandparents, William "Rufus" and Virgie Gifford Burkheart, Charlie and Mollie Akins, and James Walter and Bertha Bradberry Phillips.

A special thank you to Evelyn Clark for her delicious apple pies and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for your love and care.

A visitation will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10 am at Heath Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Strope officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frankie Pillow, DJ Ricker, Seth Johnson, David Hutton, Mike Dortch, and Michael Roach. Honorary Pallbearers are Tommy Allison, Rickey Williams, Foster Johnson, Oliver Johnson, and Lynden Johnson. To honor Kenney, please send memorials to Elite Palliative and Hospice Care of Jonesboro.

May we strive to live a life like he did, with dedication, full of faith, compassion, and to always fight no matter what. We will miss him so much in this life but look forward to eternity together in the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ The Lord. Through all the twists and turns, you kept your foot on the gas and never hit the brake, Dad. We love you.

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