John Thomas Phillips, Jr. was born to the late J.T. Sr. and Vassie (Scott) Phillips on February 21, 1947 in Jefferson, AL. He was baptized at an early age and became a member of Small Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.

John graduated from George P. Austin High School where he received a scholarship to play football, but joined the Marine Corp. instead…leaving one day after graduating high school to serve his country. While serving as a Marine, he was a rifleman and supply truck driver. John saw combat and served two tours in Vietnam, an experience that truly impacted his life. He was a Proud Veteran. After serving, he returned to Alabama briefly and then moved to Cleveland, OH where he lived until his passing.

John was a semi-truck driver for most of his adult life and loved it…a love that he developed when driving trucks while serving in the military. He eventually acquired his own truck and became an entrepreneur. Although he was not able to go out on the road for a number of years, he had big dreams of getting back out there where he felt “free”….to keep trucking and taking pictures along the way. He also loved talking about politics and sports and could give you the background on most of the players in both fields. And we shouldn’t forget, when it was time to dress to impress, he did just that.

John had a great sense of humor and was dearly loved by his family and friends. Our memories of his humor, love, laughter and the fun will be missed and cherished by his beautiful daughters Felicia “Lisa” Clayton of Lithonia, GA, Carraze Woodard of Cleveland, OH, and Consuleo “Turk” Clayton of Lawrenceville, GA; beloved grandkids Marie Heczko of Shawano, WI, Asia Terry of Cleveland, OH, and Anthony “Ju” Jackson of Fort Carson, CO; loving sisters Lela Phillips Phillips of Atlanta, GA, Tina Simmons of Huntsville, AL, Roberta (Freddie) Lawson of Demopolis, AL and Bertha Lewis Turner of Akron, OH; dear Aunt Blanche Jorge of Cleveland, OH and Uncle Benjamin (Francis) Scott of Cleveland, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

John transitioned this life to be with his parents J.T. and Vassie Phillips; his brothers Eugene, Mickey, Melvin and Derrick Phillips; his sisters Annie Pearl Brown and Dixie Pearl Gray; and his grandparents Milton & Emma Scott and Sam & Lela Phillips, whom all preceded him in death.