Reather passed suddenly doing what he does best, that is, work to his dying day on July 3rd, 2019. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and friends, who loved him dearly.
He received his education in the Wilmar School and is a member of the Drew High graduating Class of 1959. He accepted Christ at a young age, and served at the Wilmar COGIC under the leadership of Elder E.D. Kinlow. He served a combined 20 plus years for Georgia Pacific and JP Price Lumber Company. Currently held the position as Lead Maintenance Engineer at Super 8 Hotel. He loved to play the guitar, go to the casinos and be a handyman for his community. His smile can brighten any heart. He did not meet a stranger and strangers gained a longevity friendship.
Reather is survived by wife Cora Pickett-Phillips of Alexandria, LA; seven children, Margaret Walton (Roland) of White Hall, AR., Orlando Phillips (aka Reather III) and Regina Phillips, both of San Ramon, CA., Dwan Phillips-Williams of Ft. Worth, TX., Ronica Phillips, Comona Phillips and Nicandra Phillips, all of Monticello, AR; thirteen grandchildren; one granddog,"BeBe,"; four great-grandchildren; nine siblings, James Phillips (Marcelene),of Oklahoma City, OK., Charles Phillips of Crossett, AR., Gean Phillips Jones (William) of Monticello, AR., Peggy Branch of Las Vegas, NV., Alice Phillips, of Monticello, AR., Villie Wise (Jryl) of Wilmar, AR Alvester Phillips (Debra) of Wilmar, AR., Frances Phillips of Houston, TX., Linda Kay Phillips Bell (Reginald) of Lancaster, CA., in-laws: Anne Pickett of Kileen, TX., Ruthie Jefferson (Jerry) of Huttig, AR., Marcella Pickett of Bay Area, CA and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, co-workers and many dear friends.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(31)
Verda Charleston perry phelps
North Little Rock, AR Wednesday, September 18, 2019 To the Phillips family The world have definitely lost a great man.We would often talk about the good old days of church.Tent revivals,Wednesday night youth services,music and families . He was so loved .We will miss him so much.God BlessGreta Pulliam-Allen
STOCKTON, CA Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Dear Phillips Family,I'm truly sorry for your loss and although I did not have the pleasure of personally meeting Mr. Phillips, memories have been shared by my dear friend Regina. Stay strong and allow love and peace to surround everyone and celebrate his homecoming.
Love and Peace Greta PulliamAllen
Arlicia T Jackson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 17, 2019 To the family and especially those who know me as Lisa Thompson. I send my deepest condolences to everyone. Your dad was a genuine man and had a conversation and or that "smile" spoken about was a true glow.Margaret, Ronica and Comona perhaps you need an ear, I have 2: perhaps a shoulder, I have 2. Just know that if you need a big hug, I one for each one of you. Much Love, Lisa!
Jerilean Kinlow Brewer
Dumas, AR Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Phillips Family:Please know that I was deeply saddened when I was informed of the homegoing of Junior, as I called him. Reather (Junior) and his entire family were all close friends of mine and my family. I am sure I knew him and family for more than 60 years.
Family, please be strong and know that the Almighty God makes no mistakes.
Love,
Jeri
Kimberly McEachin
Fayetteville, NC Tuesday, July 16, 2019 My heartfelt condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Linda McCoy
WILMAR, AR Sunday, July 14, 2019 You are in my heart and on my mind. I pray that you will find comfort in one another. I love you family.Jacqueline & Marvin Beauchamp
Kankakee,, IL Saturday, July 13, 2019 TO OUR FAMILY:Gather strength from those around you
Though you feel like letting go
Let God's loving arms surround you
Because He loves you so
Know that others feel like you do
feel the sadness and the pain So open your heart to Him, Don,t ever feel alone. Rest in peace JR. My CUZ.
Damita Phillips
Baytown, TX Friday, July 12, 2019 Prayers for peace & comfort to my family. I absolutely will miss Uncle Jr.’s smile! My Mother, Joyce “Judy” Phillips loved getting phones calls from her b-n-l! I pray that The Phillips are in heaven rejoicing together! Much love to my family!Tommy Shaw
, CA Friday, July 12, 2019 Go Easy brother,rest in peaceArlisha Armour
Mcgehee, AR Thursday, July 11, 2019 Phillip, I Love you,and miss you so much! My life was so much better with you in it. Loosing you hurts so much💔. This is to hard for me.For some reason, I could never see us leaving each other. Even through death. Because, of the Love and our spirtual bond that we had together💞! I do believe with all my heart! With no doubts, that you are in HEAVEN!!! I could search this whole world! I still couldn't find a better man! From my heart,in my spirit to yours in HEAVEN! I will remember you for the rest of my life.I love you♥️💋 so much Phillip. Please LORD THY GOD whom are in HEAVEN! Help my girls,Phillip family,friends,and me get through this, is my prayer🙏!Cadris Green (TIGER)
Milwaukee, WI Thursday, July 11, 2019 Thanks for all the warm welcomes and gratitude you have always shown and gave. You will be greatly missed and so will your SMILES.. 😁. We all love ya!!!Rebis Young Family
Detroit, TX Thursday, July 11, 2019 To our Family with deepest sympathy for the loss of one so loved, Our Junna had a spirit that glowed so brightly. He will definitely leave some light behind for all of us.Danielle Phillips
Berkeley, CA Thursday, July 11, 2019 I love you grandpa! I'll never forget you bright smile.Charlesia Nalls
Crossett, AR Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Sending my sincere sympathy & condolences to the entire family, my thoughts & prayers are always with everyone, especially my uncle’s children/ grands , May the peace of God keep & comfort , Uncle Junior will be missed dearly, much love from my family to your family!Azel Pickett
Scottsdale, AZ Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Dear family we send our condolencesfor our beloved brother and family, special prayers out to
Gina and Mama Cora
Sending Love, Savannah and A.Z.Pickett
Jewel Carter
Fairfield, CA Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Those we love are never really gone,they have a special place in our hearts where they will always be remembered for the kindness they showed and the love they shared. Gina love you sis. Praying for God to bless and comfort you and the family. ❤❤❤❤❤Abigail McCray
Frisco, TX Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Dwan, my condolences on the passing of your Dad. I know he is in a better place, however losing a parent is never easy. Each day will bring different emotions and thoughts of the time you spent together. Lean on Psalms 121:1-8 because our God will continue to watch over you.Stephanie Phillips-Watkins
Dallas, TX Wednesday, July 10, 2019 My heart goes out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter their age. I pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult period.Diane & Toriano
Mesa, AZ Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Our deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you all. Heaven has a new angel. Sending loveSabrena Harris
Warren, AR Tuesday, July 9, 2019 I am going to miss that million dollar smile! My deepest condolences to his beautiful family. You have been lifted in my prayers.Melinda Phillips
Oklahoma City, OK Tuesday, July 9, 2019 My condolences to my beautiful family, we are going to miss Uncle Junior. Stay strong, stay in prayer and keep the faith that you will see him again on the other side. Love always.Tonya Jackson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 9, 2019 So sorry to have lost my cousin whose smile and conversation was always welcomed whenever we saw each other. He will be sorely missed.❤️Aunt Riler’s granddaughter and Charles’ aka Bo’s daughter- Tonya
Nakebra Garrett
Carrollton, TX Tuesday, July 9, 2019 I'm sending my condolences, hugs, love, and above all Prayers to the entire family. GOD is a healer, comforter and will hold you in His arms.. GOD is STILL GOOD.Grandbaby
Benton, IL Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Hi grandpa 🤗 I miss u sooooo much! I know you're watching over all of us! I 💖 u and we are going to make u proud at your home going! This is very hard for me because I can't hear ur laugh anymore or your graceful hugs that was so generous and mutual! I'm sooo heartbroken, you are my strongest man ever and I admired you for ur love of no drama and everyone loved you as well, you were such a great man who I looked up to always...stay laughing and playing your guitar up there, I will cherish the moments that we've had, sighs, it won't be the same anymore EVER! THANK YOU for supporting me when my dad died, you were there holding my hand, when I messed up in school, you were there to give me your wisdom and I thank u for that.. Grandpa no one could fill your shoes! Pls pls watch over us. Love you to infinity, your grand babyNishia.💔
Keliah Johnson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Such a sweet man. R.I.L! Sorry for you guys loss.Erika L. Green
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Sorry ur loss. Stay strong. Praying for y'all & love y'all!!Vicky Bassett Estes
Dallas, TX Tuesday, July 9, 2019 My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.Val Davis
Dallas, TX Tuesday, July 9, 2019 My condolences to the family I pray for healing and strength during this transition know that he is with God now and is Resting Peacefully🌹Tonita Hollins
Bedford, TX Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Praying for you all! Love you!WELTON Lewis
Flint, MI Saturday, July 6, 2019 CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY'S REATHERAnnette Simpson Gardner
Tillar, AR Friday, July 5, 2019 So sorry to hear of your loss. Brother Phillips was a good and kind hearted man. He will be missed, but God knows what is best, and in these times we must look to him for strength and courage.