Wayne Phillips

North Augusta, SC – Funeral Services for Mr. Wayne Phillips, 73, who entered into rest April 15, 2025, will be conducted Friday afternoon, April 25th, at 3 o’clock in the Posey Funeral Chapel with Veteran Honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 1 until 3 o’clock. Interment will be private. Wayne was born July 1, 1951, to the late Joe Gilbert Phillips and Bessie Reese Phillips Bone. He was raised in Augusta, GA, having made North Augusta, SC his home for 27 years. Wayne was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era and was a lifetime member of the Local 150 Union. He was outstanding in his trade and took great pride in his work as a welder and pipefitter. Throughout the years, Wayne mentored many young welders in honing their talents and elevating their skill set. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his wife and spending time on his property in Edgefield County, which he referred to as his “little piece of heaven.” Wayne was a diehard Georgia Bulldog fan, enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, was a great appreciator of music, especially classic rock, and he often played his bass guitar. He was an exceptional cook and known for his signature recipes and his ability to make the best sweet tea in the world. Wayne had a soft spot in his heart for his beloved Boston Terrier, Molly. Wayne was a car enthusiast and had a great passion for collecting and showing antique cars. However, his most recent passion was the 2020 Ford Mustang he acquired. Wayne was a man of faith with a generous heart. He was a larger-than-life personality and never met a stranger. Wayne’s greatest joy in life was his family. He adored his children and grandchildren, and his best friend was his beloved wife, Juanita. Wayne was affectionately known by his wife, family and friends alike as “Big Daddy.” He was proud to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of those he loved. Wayne took an active interest in the things that were important to his wife, and he made sure that through his words and actions, Juanita never doubted his love for her. He will be fondly remembered for his determination in his approach to life and the great love he had for others. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Lynne Phillips; two brothers, James Dempsey Phillips and Bobby Dean Phillips; a sister, Wilda Jean McCall; two sons, Steven Wayne Phillips and Michael Dean Phillips; and a brother-in-law, George Schulz. Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his wife and partner of 25 years, Juanita Elizabeth Phillips; a son, Joseph Matthew Phillips; a daughter, Lindsey Ann Gilliland (Nesbitt James Gilliland); a brother, Keith Phillips; a brother-in-law, Larry McCall; a daughter-in-law, Katie Lee DuVall (Raymond Lee DuVall, IV); four grandchildren, Declan James Gilliland, Emersyn Lynne Gilliland, Cohen Mathis Gilliland, and Steven Lee Zacek (Hannah Rachel Zacek); two great-grandchildren, Elena Rachel Zacek and Aria Quinn Zacek. Wayne’s family expresses deep appreciation for the exceptional care provided by his home health nurse, Tracey Trecartin, his oncologist, Dr. Anand P. Jillella, and the doctors and staff of the Georgia Cancer Center and Wellstar MCG Health Medical ICU. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ring the Bell of Hope at the Georgia Cancer Center, www.augusta.edu/cancer/ringing-the-bell Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803)278-1181.

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Wayne Phillips

July 1, 1951 - April 15, 2025