Name: Calling hours for George Phillis
Start: 2017-09-29T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-09-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Hillis Combs Funeral Home

George P. Phillis

Zanesville: George P. Phillis, 87, of Zanesville, died 3:50 AM, Monday, September 25, 2017, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family under the care of Genesis Hospice. He was born 9:00 PM, Monday, August 24, 1930, in Grant Hospital in Columbus, the son of George G. & Teresa (Dreese) Phillis of Corning. He married Barbara L. (Kelly) Phillis on Saturday, April 16, 1955, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church by Monsignor Dury.

George was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church; was a member of Council # 505 Knights of Columbus where he was a 3rd Degree Knight and was also a 4th Degree Knight. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army. George was a member of the VFW Post 1058, American Legion Post 29, NRN, and Charity Newsies.

George graduated in 1948, from St. Bernard's Catholic School in Corning. Over the next 20 years he was employed by the New York Central Railroad, with the last 13 years working in Columbus. While working with New York Central, he was drafted, September 21, 1951. He served as a corporal with the 25th Infantry Division, 14th Infantry Regular Company L, and awarded the C.I.B. Following his discharge on September 22, 1953, George enrolled in Meredith Business College and Bliss College in Columbus, on the G.I. Bill. In 1969 he relocated back to Zanesville and started a Nationwide Insurance Agency which he operated for over 26 years. Following his retirement from Nationwide Insurance, George along with his son, Jay, sold Real Estate operating out of their office at 1604 Maple Avenue, with Home Opportunities Real Estate and then, Lepi Real Estate, retiring at the age of 80

George was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed following the family in all their sporting events. He greatly looked forward to vacationing and traveling with Barbara in their motorhome. Following his retirement, George received great comfort from being able to care for his beloved Barbara.

George is survived by four children: Linda (Mike) Haren, Jay (Lori) Phillis & Kellie Cummins all of Zanesville, & Doug Phillis of Cincinnati; nine grandchildren: Scott (Sara) Haren, Stephen (Keisha) Haren, Lacy (Ian) Robinson, Laura (Shane) Wolfe, Kaleigh, Clayton & Kelsey Cummins, Jacob Phillis & Megan Phillis all of Zanesville; eight great grandchildren: Leeann, J.T., Michael, Anna, Ella, Wynn, Rio & Cash; a sister: Joylyn Dodson of Corning.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 59 years: Barbara Phillis, who died March 8, 2014; one son-in-law,: Michael Cummins; an infant brother and sister: Raymond & Rita Jean Phillis and his mother & father-in-law: Bill & May Kelly.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, September 29, 2017, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, with the Rosary at 7:45 PM. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2017, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 145 North Fifth Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Jan C.P. Sullivan as Celebrant. George will be laid to rest next to his beloved Barbara in Mount Olive Cemetery, with the United States Army, VFW Post 1058 and American Legion Post 29 conducting Full Military Honors. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com.