Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM. The burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Bro. Roy Crouch will officiate. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 601-477-3797

David grew up in various parts of the United States and had many interests. David graduated from San Dieguito Union High School in Encinitas, CA in May 1973. David loved animals and in Nov. 1973 he attended the North Texas Farriers School in Mineral Wells, TX earning his certificate in Horseshoeing. In January 1974 David enrolled in Pre-Vet Medicine at Southeastern Louisiana University at Hammond, LA. Partly to help fund his college through GI Benefits, and because of his sense of patriotic duty, before completing his degree, in January 1976, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a jet engine mechanic and changed his career focus to Aviation Maintenance.

While in the U.S. Navy, David met Emily, his wife of 42 years. After their marriage in May 1980, David continued his Aviation Career. He earned his Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology in May 1982, from the Golden Triangle Regional Vo-Tech Center, a program which he later taught for six years. In August 1985, David earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education from Mississippi State University.

David started his own business, Eagle Aircraft Service, providing FAA certified aircraft maintenance and inspections, charter, and flight training services. He greatly enjoyed flying, riding motorcycles, teaching and model trains. He was also a "jack of all trades" and at various intervals in his life did everything from operating heavy equipment, working as an Emergency Medical Technician, driving 18 wheelers cross county, and flying as a pilot certified by the FAA in multiple facets.

Most importantly, after a baptism at age 12 when he did not fully understand all aspects of his decision, he accepted Christ in October of 2019, and followed in believer's baptism after fully understanding and accepting Jesus' gift of salvation to cleanse him from his sins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Neal N. Phillips; mother, Betty J. Istre Lawyer; and brother, Dennis Phillips.

Survivors include his wife, Emily Peach Phillips; son, James Phillips (Jessica); daughter, Susan Rogers (Cody); brother, Dwayne Phillips (Karen); grandsons, Olin Phillips, Steven Phillips, and David Phillips; and granddaughter, Abigail Rogers.

Pallbearers will be James Phillips, Cody Rogers, Sammy Peach, Jody Herring, Joe Reeder, and Frank Porter.

Honorary Pall bearers will be Jimmy Walters, Jack Jarrell, and Dr. Glenn Cochran.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com