News Summary
John Edward Phillips, a beloved member of the Joanna community, has passed away at 81. Known for his faith, kindness, and dedication to family, John leaves behind a legacy of love that touched many lives. His involvement in the community and family devotion will be remembered by all who knew him. His funeral services will be held soon.
Joanna, SC — John Edward Phillips, an esteemed member of the Joanna community and a devoted family man, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the age of 81. His legacy of faith, humility, and love for family will continue to resonate among those he touched throughout his life.
Born on March 10, 1944, in Greenville, South Carolina, John was the son of the late Ray and Janie Rowland Phillips. He dedicated over 40 years of his career to the Torrington Company located in Clinton, SC, before retiring. Phillips was a steadfast Christian, having committed his life to the Lord at an early age, and was a devoted member of the Joanna Church of God until illness impacted his attendance.
John Phillips was widely recognized for his kind-hearted nature and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, earning him the reputation of never having met a stranger. He was a proud husband to Jeanette Phillips for 61 years and a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Family and Surviving Relatives
John is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his two children, Kenneth “Ken” Phillips of Joanna and Cheryl Gurney, married to Derek Gurney of Greenwood. He adored his granddaughters, Lacey Gurney of Greenwood and Kayla Hoxworth, who is married to Avery Hoxworth of Evans, GA. Moreover, he cherished his four great-grandchildren: Alexander, Landon, Elizabeth, and Owen Hoxworth, all residing in Evans, GA.
John’s family connections extended to his siblings, which included sisters Joann Bryant, married to Ted, of Latta and Kathy Jones, married to Mike, of New Bern, NC, and brothers Harold Phillips, married to Vicki, of Spartanburg and David Phillips, married to Marsha, of New Bern, NC. He was predeceased by his sister Faye Edwards and brothers Carroll and Clint Phillips.
Interests and Community Involvement
In addition to his dedication to family and faith, John enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He relished day trips to the mountains and frequently attended car shows and auctions alongside his best friend, Dan Wooten. His devotion to his family was evident in the time he spent with them and his beloved dog, Bear.
Healthcare and Support
During his illness, John’s family expressed immense appreciation for the compassionate care he received from VIA Health Partners of Clinton, which provided support during a difficult time.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for John Phillips will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Joanna Church of God. Pastor Gene Wooten and Rev. Stacey Strickland will officiate the service, with cremation to follow. Family visitation will take place prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Joanna Church of God or VIA Health Partners. Arrangements for the services are being handled by Gray Funeral Home of Clinton, which is assisting the Phillips family during this time of grief.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Legacy: Joanna Seitz Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Joanna Carpenter Obituary
- Heritage Cares: Joanna Venn Obituary
- Google Search: John Edward Phillips
- Wikipedia: Joanna, South Carolina
