Theron Kiah Phillips

Theron Kiah Phillips,64, passed away on Monday, December 08, 2025, after a battle with thyroid cancer.

He was born on September 27, 1961, in Talladega, Alabama to Doc and Jean Phillips. Kiah graduated from Talladega High School in 1979, and he was an avid martial artist. He held a black belt and taught Yoshukai Karate for years. Kiah proudly joined the United States Marines after his high school graduation, and he lived the motto "Honor, Courage, Commitment" throughout his life. The discipline and brotherhood of the Marine Corps shaped Kiah's life, instilling a deep love for his country and family.

Kiah studied at Samford University Biblical and Religious Studies, and he received certificates through Samford's Ministry Training Institute for Worship in the areas of pastoral leadership, worship, and disciple making. Kiah went on multiple mission trips to the Ukraine. He was an ordained minister who loved his Savior and clung to his faith throughout his battle with cancer. He was a deacon at North Shelby Baptist Church where he loved serving, and he was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association where he ministered through his affiliation.

Mr. Phillips worked at EBSCO on mainframe computers for thirty years. He loved his work and his coworkers there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus Colvin "Doc" and Gloria Jean Phillips; brother, James Brian Phillips; maternal grandparents, T.C. and Virgie Herring, and paternal grandparents, Oscar Clayton and Ella Ophelia Phillips.

Kiah is survived by his children, Derek Kiah Phillips, Rachel Marie Phillips, and Thomas Hunter Phillips (Meagan), brother, Jonathan Clay "Bomba" Phillips, and grandchildren, Hayden Kiah Phillips, Kiahley Phillips, Bravin Holdridge, Brooklynn Phillips. Remington Phillips, Ben Bartell, Gavin Bartell, Thomas Phillips, Emma Phillips, and Annabelle Phillips.

A celebration of life will take place at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. with Billy Epperson officiating. His family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kiah's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org, by phone at 1-800-805-5856, or by mail at 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.