CMSgt. Harley James Phillips, USAF (Ret.)

CMSgt. Harley James Phillips, USAF (Ret.), passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the age of 89. He was born on May 22, 1935, in Murphy, North Carolina, to the late Willy and Willie Sue Evans Phillips.

Harley proudly served in the United States Air Force, dedicating over 30 years of his life to aircraft maintenance. He rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, earning numerous commendations for his exemplary service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Vietnam Service Medal, among others.

In addition to his distinguished military career, Harley was deeply involved in Freemasonry. He was a member of Tyrian Lodge #111 in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he was initiated as a Master Mason in 1978. Harley served the Lodge in many capacities, including Chairman of the DeMolay Advisory Board and Ambassador of Georgia Masonic Home. He later became a dual member of Jeffersonville Lodge #133 and was an active participant in various Masonic bodies, including the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and the Red Cross of Constantine. He was awarded the prestigious 33rd Degree in 2009 for his outstanding contributions to the Masonic community.

His commitment to public service extended beyond his military and Masonic duties, impacting many lives through his volunteerism. Harley was a devoted member of the Shrine of North America, where he served in leadership roles, including the Potentate of Al Sihah Temple in 1995. His contributions to the Shrine and his community were immeasurable, including his service as President of the Houston County Shrine Club and as a Representative to the Imperial Council, among many others. He enjoyed attending various shrine events.

In his spare time, Harley enjoyed traveling to the mountains, and to his hometown, as well as eating out. A man of the Baptist faith, his impact on those who knew him was profound. Harley will be remembered for his commitment to service and dedication to his faith, family, and community.

In addition to his parents, Harley was preceded in death by his siblings, Jean Boatman, Brenda Rogers, Mark Arthur Phillips, Dallas Phillips, Alice Phillips, and Doyle Phillips.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Gaetana Mary Phillips of Warner Robins; and siblings, Geneva Guest of Franklin, North Carolina, Diane Swinney of Hackelberg, Alabama, and Charles Leroy Phillips of Cartersville, Georgia; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, December 23, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, CMSgt. Harley James Phillips, USAF (Ret.) will be laid to rest in Andersonville National Cemetery with Full Military Honors and Masonic Rites. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of CMSgt. Harley James Phillips, USAF (Ret.) to 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607; or to the Al Sihah Shriner’s Transportation Fund at 222 Mecca Drive, Macon, Georgia 31206.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.