P. Lee Phillips

Mr. P.L. Phillips passed away in Cleveland, Ohio on December 18, 2022. Also known as Percy, Pete and Phil, he was born on January 5, 1935, to the late Vollie and Mary Phillips of Marion, Alabama. As a child, he was raised by the late Raymond and Hessaline Nix.

P.L. was educated at the public schools of Perry County, Alabama: Mt. Ararat, Marion Baptist Academy and Lincoln High School. He graduated from Alabama A&M University with a degree in Business Administration, joined the army from which he was honorably discharged and then worked his professional career as a manager at the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; also, working as a substitute teacher for the Cleveland Public School District.

Those who knew him could always count on a phone call or card on their birthday and holidays; he memorized the birthdays of numerous friends and relatives. P.L. had an extensive vocabulary and conversations with him always included multisyllabic words. He was always willing to help others, knew how to do many things and was frequently asked for advice which he gladly gave. He loved sports, jazz music, and projects around the house. He also enjoyed traveling to visit his childhood home and friends in Alabama.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 64 years Normarene (or Jean) Phillips, their son LaVon (or Vonnie) Phillips (Patty) of Minneapolis, MN, his grandchildren: Chris Phillips of Fort Wayne, IN, Alicia Phillips of Atlanta, GA, Courtney Phillips of Los Angeles, CA, NaTasha Grady of Cleveland, OH, LaRhonda Phillips of Akron, OH and Clay Phillips of Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by their son U.S. Army Lieutenant LaRon (or Ronnie) Phillips and older sister Gladys Phillips Turner. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brother-in-law, Edward Turner, a host of great-grandchildren, other relatives, and a multitude of friends.