David William Phillips, Sr., of Woodstock, Georgia, originally of Anniston, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024 after a short, severe illness.

Born July 17, 1947 to parents Bill and Joyce Phillips in Anniston, Alabama, he graduated from Anniston High School, went on to serve four years in the US Navy, and completed his undergraduate degree in business at Jacksonville State University.

With the guidance of his uncle he entered the food industry, serving in sales at Mrs. Weaver's foods and eventually becoming a top sales performer at Bryan Foods (Sara Lee Corporation). His move to join Empire Food Brokers in Memphis, Tennessee was the start of an affiliation with Empire that would last the rest of his working life. In conjunction with Danny Harris, Sr. he built a successful Empire affiliate in Atlanta (based in Conyers, Georgia) and went on to sell his stake in the business in 2012. Now retired, he maintained an office in Conyers for the rest of his life.

David was a lifelong Alabama fan but was a fixture at Georgia tailgates and counted many Bulldogs fans amongst his friends. Known for a passion for enjoying life, David was an avid golfer, motorcyclist, a vivid storyteller, and everyone's friend (especially at a bar). Never one to say "no" to a good time, he still enjoyed golf, watersports, thrill rides, and fast cars until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey William Phillips and Wilma Joyce Phillips. He is survived by his widow, Carol Banks Phillips and sons Gary Hall, Dave Phillips (Junior), and Landon Phillips and wife Shefali; grandchildren Michael Hall and wife Hannah, Tyler Phillips, Caden Phillips, Alicia Beasley and husband Lawson, Kennedy Dunn and husband Bret Dunn, Jordan Hall, Morgan Phillips, Ethan Hall, Hannah Phillips, Logan Phillips, and Liam Phillips; great-grandchildren Joanna Hall, Ezekiel Hall, Daniel Hall and Beau Beasley. Sister Jan Baugh and husband Jimmy of Daphne, Alabama and brother, Barry Phillips and wife Jan of Anniston, Alabama. Uncle Charles E. (Bo) Smith. Three special daughters-in-law Christie Phillips, Michal Hall, and Emily Phillips.

A Celebration of Life event is planned for January 11, 2025 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers, Georgia.