John Kenneth Phillips “Moose” 78, of Lagrange, Georgia, passed away June 08, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side. Ken was born to John Thomas Phillips “Buck” and Hazel Hambrick Phillips on May 23, 1947 in Troup County.
Ken grew up on his family’s Dairy Farm, Phillips Dairy. He was a class of 1965 Troup County High School graduate where he set school records on the track team. He joined the Airforce in 1965 and was stationed in Southeast Asia whereas a Sergeant he received the Airforce Commendation Medal. When he returned home, he began a career as a Truck Driver at Milliken and played on the company’s baseball team. In 1990 he began at Walmart Transportation where he retired after thirty-five years. While employed with Walmart he received numerous awards, including the impressive 3,000,000 Mile Safety Award, awarded for 3 million miles on the road accident free.
As a sports enthusiast who grew up watching all the greats, Ken found joy being his grandchildren’s biggest fan and could be found on the bleacher of any game they played.
Ken was known for his melodic Georgia accent, infectious smile, perfect penmanship, gifted pool playing and the ability to make a friend anywhere he went.
As a benevolent, compassionate man Ken dedicated much of his life to others.
Ken was best at being an incredible friend, husband, father and Poppy. Everyone’s biggest supporter, he loved to see anyone succeed. He was ready to celebrate you whether it was a birthday party or an achievement.
With Ken’s passing he leaves a legacy of kindness and selflessness. Ken leaves his family with the thought of knowing he seen us all as his biggest accomplishment, he never missed the chance to greet us with an embrace and words of love and encouragement. He made sure we all knew that he considered himself blessed to have us, but we all are the lucky ones.
Ken is preceded in death by his father John Thomas Phillips, mother Hazel Phillips and sister Doris Bray.
Ken is survived by his “heartbeat” his wife Crystal Phillips, his children John Kenneth Phillips Jr “Bucky”, Elizabeth Phillips Saturday “Dusty”, Angie (Mark) Barnes, Kenneth (Angie) Bradley, Lori Brewer, Erin (Taylor) Davis, Meredith (Ryan) Hays, Jennifer Ruiz, grandchildren Ella Davis, Aiden Hays, Maci Hays, Katelynn Phillips, Abby Saturday, Allison Stidham, Jordan Bradley, Brandy Clower, Morgan Orantes, Emily Ruiz, Mandy Ruiz, Jonathan Stewart, Joshua Stewart, Erica Thornton, sister Joanne Noles and 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral Service for Ken “Moose” Phillips will be on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Dennis Trimble officiating; burial at Cullman City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, June 13, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.
