Timothy "Bum" Eugene Phillips

Timothy Eugene “Bum” Phillips, 54, of Old Fort, departed this life peacefully on Monday, April 10, 2023, with his beloved family at his side.

He was born on August 26, 1968, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to the late Gene and Barbara Phillips and later graduated from Chattanooga State Community College.  A faithful member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church and a dedicated employee with Ben Milen Tires, he was always a blessing to be around and would always tease or aggravate at a moment’s notice.  He was passionate about all kinds of music from Alison Krauss to ZZ Top, traveling, and greatly enjoyed attending countless antique tractor and car shows.  Portraying a gruff exterior, he was a friend that could always be counted on and had a kind and tender heart.  A few of his interests included researching the Phillips and Milen genealogy, studying knife history, and having great knowledge of movie and tv trivia.

Every September, you could always find him helping to decorate the Ocoee River Corn Maze, where he spent countless hours of dedication.  “Bum” loved everything “Chevy” and always enjoyed watching one of the old movies or a good western, especially John Wayne.

He didn’t worry about superficial things and always tried to make the best of each day.  Spending time with his great-nephews and family was one of his greatest joys of life and will be deeply missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, Gene, and Barbara Phillips, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carla Jean Phillips; sister-in-law, Laina Phillips; grandparents, Carl and Anna Mae Milen.

Left to cherish the many memories include his beloved siblings, Tracy Phillips, and Terri and Tim Lynch; nephews, Will and Tabitha Phillips, Luke and Christina Phillips, Seth and Sara Phillips, Blake and Kayla Lynch, and Alex Lynch; great-nephews, John, Mark, Jake, Wade, and Slade; great-nieces, Maggie, Emily, and Claire.  Many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Remembrance of Life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Mountain Springs Baptist Church, with Pastor Scottie Lyle and Pastor Homer Roberts officiating.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery with Tracy Phillips, Tim Lynch, Will Phillips, Luke Phillips, Seth Phillips, and Russell Bishop serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.