LANCASTER, SC ~ Rev. Jerry Leroy Phillips, Sr., age 79, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022, at his home. He was born November 13, 1942, in Rock Hill, SC, the son of the late Temple Leroy Phillips and Clara Jane Parks Phillips and was the husband of Hazel Searcy Phillips. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army and served as Chaplain in the Army Reserves at the rank of Major. He was a 50-year life member Mason who was raised Master Mason in 1971 and served as Grand Chaplain of Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of SC from 2008-2015. In 2015, Jerry was elected Grand Chaplain Emeritus. He was past Master and current Chaplain of Great Falls Lodge 277 and was a 32 ^nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Jerry was awarded the Albert Gallatin Mackey Award, which is the highest award one can receive in the Masons. He was a pastor in the SC United Methodist Church for over 39 years and enjoyed mentoring young pastors; even after retirement, he continued as a supply pastor. In his personal time, Jerry enjoyed hunting, telling jokes, reading, watching movies, traveling, working crossword puzzles, and attending Wofford football games. Jerry was intelligent, honest, and always stood up for what was right. Family was his main priority, and he loved all his family dearly.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 ½ years, Hazel Phillips; two sons, Jerry "Lee" Leroy Phillips, Jr. (Vickie) and Mark Steven Phillips (Lori); two daughters, Elaine Phillips Fischer (Jamie) and Tina Phillips Blakley (Roger); ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and one on the way; and his best friend, more like his brother, John Preer.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Nadine Phillips.

The Celebration of Life Service for Jerry will be 2:00 pm Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Grace- Lynnwood United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Matthew Alexander and Rev. Dr. Anthony Hodge. Burial will follow at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens in Rock Hill, SC.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Burgess Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or Wofford College Office of Advancement
429 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.11/13/19