Joseph Russell Phillips

CWO4 Joseph Russell Phillips, US Army Retired, 90, of Sanford passed away Friday May 3, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 4pm Thursday May 9th at Calvary Missionary Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Mr. Phillips was born in Randolph Co, a son of the late David Yokeley and Elva Rumley Yokeley. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Correa Phillips; son Mark Phillips; daughters Merrilee Enomoto and Peggy Turner; granddaughter Megan Kruger; grandson Harold “Pete” Foster; brothers Bob Phillips, David Yokeley and Norman Phillips; sisters Bonnie Goff and Jeanette “Jenny” Miller.

Mr. Phillips was a 23 years Retired Army Veteran serving in WWII, the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. He received many medals and decorations including National Defense Service Medal, Asaitc-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.

Mr. Phillips is survived by his daughter Sandy Middleton (Keith) of Bolivia, NC, son Robert Phillips (Brenda) of Oak Island, daughter Jayne Phillips of Palm Coast, FL, daughter Michelle Phillips of Sanford, and daughter April Sue Rigsby (Eddie) of GA; brothers Tom Phillips (Carolyn) of Arkansas, Randy Phillips (Lisa)  and Guy Phillips (Mary) of Indiana; sisters Nancy Harvey (Jim) of Arkansas, Pansy Hubbard of Colorado, Ruby Weaver (Walt) of Alabama and Gloria Craft ( Toby). and 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Wednesday May 8, 2019 at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3739 National Dr, Raleigh, NC 27612.