Benjamin Phillips

March 9, 1944 - May 28, 2017 Coach Benjamin Phillips, Sr., a.k.a. "Pop" to his grandchildren, "Shug" to his family, "Tip" to his friends and "Coach" to many students, son of the late Ben and Frances F. Phillips, was born on March 9, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee. He departed this life on the morning of May 28, 2017 at home, surrounded by his family in Fairfield Township, Ohio. He confessed his life to Christ at an early age at Friendship United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Benjamin attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, after receiving an athletic scholarship for basketball. He received his Bachelors of Art in Health and Physical Education. It was at Lane College where he also met the love of his life, Barbara. After graduation, he began a basketball coaching and teaching career in Osceola, Arkansas at Rosenwald High School, where he had several state championships. From there, he coached basketball at Osceola High School where he again led the team to state championships. After 30 years of dedication, he retired. "Coach" touched the lives of hundreds of students. Benjamin was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He leaves a legacy of love and devot...[more]

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to cherish his memory: a loving wife of 51 years, Barbara (Moore), two sons, Benjamin Jr. (Sharon) and Elgin (Sherry) of Fairfield Township, OH; five grandchildren, Erica Phillips, of Atlanta, GA, and Benjamin III, Isaiah, Elgin Jr. and Michael Phillips, all of Fairfield Township, OH; one great-grandchild, Piper Phillips, of Atlanta, GA; two brothers, Joseph (Bettye) Phillips of Millington, TN; Henry (Patricia) Phillips of Memphis, TN; and one sister, Frances Gibson of Memphis, TN. He also leaves a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and students. Five siblings preceded him in death.