Mr. Charlie Ray Phillips

PHILLIPS, Mr. Charlie Ray - Age 82, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at McLaren-Flint. Family hour 10:30 AM Monday, November 13, 2023 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 4805 N. Saginaw St., Rev. Dr. Henry Fuller Sr., officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30 AM Monday. Mr. Phillips will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The above verse from Proverbs 17:27 was fittingly epitomized in the life of our dearly beloved Charlie Ray Phillips whose earthly pilgrimage began December 22, 1940, as the third of ten siblings born to Mr. Joe Daniel Phillips and Mrs. Albirdia Walton Phillips in Madison, Mississippi. Ray, as he was known by many, transitioned to his eternal home Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in Flint, Michigan. Strong Christian nurturing led Ray to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. At the tender age of ten, Ray was baptized in his hometown of Madison, Mississippi at China Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend J.E. Reed. He was active in Sunday School, the choir, and other ministries. Ray matriculated through the Madison County, Mississippi Public School System and graduated from Madison Rosenwald High School in 1960, which was the last graduating class for the school that became Rosa A. Scott High School. Ray continued his educational journey by attending Utica Junior College where he received certification in auto mechanics. In search of adventure and an opportunity to improve his standards in life, Ray relocated to Los Angeles, California and gained employment with The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Maintenance Department. Ray was drafted by the United States Army in 1964 and served in the Vietnam War. He received several commendations and medals including the Sharpshooter Medal for his service. Ray was honorably discharged in 1966. He was a Life Member of the Disabled Veterans of America. Ray always had a passion for learning new things and this inquisitiveness led him to study at Detroit College of Business. He was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed football, basketball and auto racing. On April 5, 1964, Ray was united in holy matrimony to the lovely Deloris Hamilton, the love of his life for the duration of his life. Together they made their home in Flint, Michigan after his discharge from military service. This union was blessed with two amazing children: Victor Ramon Phillips and Crystal Andreia Phillips, who along with their mother, provided excellent attention and care for Ray during his illness. Ray never complained; he kept the faith and trusted in the power of the Almighty God. Ray was a man of understanding who restrained his words, possessed a humble spirit, and yet his presence was strong because of his positive demeanor. In 1966, Ray obtained employment with General Motors as an inspector and later in the area of Plant Protection as a member of the security department. He was a member of the Retiree Chapter of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 659. Upon his retirement in 1996, he acquired the best job he ever had which was “babysitting” his grandchildren, who affectionately called him PaPa. Ray simply cherished the opportunity to spend quality time with his grands in this capacity. When the ‘grands’ became school age, Ray became an active volunteer at Cummings Elementary School where he served as a mentor to students by assisting them with their reading and social skills. He was lovingly called “PaPa Charlie” by the staff and the children he helped in class. In 1968, Ray united with the Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Granville Smith. He was a member of the Male Chorus and was the outstanding lead singer of two of his favorite songs: “Everybody Ought to Praise His Name” and “Prayer Changes Things.” As an active member of the Men’s Ministry, Ray participated in Church School and looked forward to the Annual Men’s Day celebration. Ray will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched as a devoted husband, an awesome father, a generous and doting grandfather, a loving brother, a thoughtful uncle and a loyal friend. Fond memories will forever be cherished by his faithful and caring wife of 59 ½ years, Deloris H. Phillips, Flint, Michigan; son, Deacon Victor (Pamela) Phillips, Flint, Michigan; daughter, Crystal Phillips, Swartz Creek, Michigan; grandchildren: Jasmyn Phillips, Lansing, Michigan; Mekenzie Phillips and Xavier Phillips, Flint, Michigan; sisters: Eunice Phillips, Madison, MS; Lena Marshall, Flint, MI; Alma (Willie) Miller, Jackson, MS; Lynnette (Gerald) Andrews, Desoto, TX; brothers: Mansfield (Bell) Phillips, Madison, MS; Lee (Diane) Phillips, Katy, TX; sisters-in-law: Ella Martin, Jackson, MS; Fannie Hamilton, Clinton, MS; Gloria Hamilton, Moreno Valley, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ray is predeceased by his parents: Joe D. and Albirdia Phillips, Sr.; brothers: Joe D., Jr. and Earnest James Phillips; sister: Henrietta Phillips Julius; mother and father-in-law: Thomas and Edna Hamilton; five sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law

Mr. Charlie Ray Phillips

December 22, 1940 - November 1, 2023