Phillip accepted Christ at an early age at First Missionary Baptist Church. He was a founding member of the "South East Cycles (SEC)" Motorcycle Club in which he was an avid rider and served as their "Sergeant at Arms." He also enjoyed riding 4 wheelers, fishing, and loved the time spent being with his family and friends. All who knew him were always greeted with his welcoming smile.
At the time of Phillip's passing, he was the most senior employee with 43 years of service at Interfor U.S. Inc., formerly JP Price Lumber Company. He started his career by working in the evenings and weekends as part of his father's "clean-up" team at JP Price. At the end of Phillip's career, he was the designated day shift operator of the 988H-Lumber Loader. He also had the opportunity to train his son, Phillip Henry Miller, to run the same machinery as the lead man on Interfor's night shift.
Phillip leaves to grieve his passing, his companion of 21 years, Shirear (Shawn) McKinley; his son, Phillips Henry "Booman" Miller (Stephanie) of Monticello, AR; and his daughters, Danielle and Erica Janae Ambrose, both of Monticello, AR. He also raised and nurtured Damarius D. and Ladarius D. McKinley, both of Monticello, AR.
Siblings left to lament his demise are Roderick (Lisa) Ambrose and Linda (Arthur) Johnson, both of Jacksonville, AR; Kenneth Ambrose of McGehee, AR; Paula (Tyrone) Thompson of Mt. Juliet, TN; Jennifer Owens of St. Louis, MO; Glenda (Al) Jones of Kansas City, KS; Cathy Stewart, Darrell Bauknight, Sr. and Kenneth Avery, all of Monticello, AR.
Others left to lament his passing include close family friend, Wilbert (Rody) Neal; aunts, Jeannie Head and Mary Allen; uncle, Bobby Reed, all of Monroe, LA; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
There will be an additional Come and Go Viewing Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M., prior to the Graveside services.
Condolences(11)
Jeri Taylor
Monticello, AR Wednesday, January 13, 2021 I am so sorry for your loss. I graduated with Phillip (PH) in 1982. I will keep you all in my prayers.Shelby Williams
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, January 13, 2021 To my classmate Kenneth Ambrose & FamilyPlease accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of your brother. I have been in your shoes before and I empathize with you. I'm praying that God will comfort you and give you strength to get through this most difficult time.
Vickie Stewart
Little Rock?, AR Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Roderick Ambrose , you and your fxamily are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that each of you be strong enough to endure this hurt that you all are going through. Please lean on God for strength. He is all that you need.Tanya Adams
Warren, AR Monday, January 11, 2021 I am deeply saddened by your loss. PH was a kind hearted soul.Victor Vincent
Richmond, TX Monday, January 11, 2021 Love you man gonna miss you brotherHenryett Mcfadden
Detroit, MI Monday, January 11, 2021 Sending My Sincere Condolences To My Family. Psalm 73:26 My Flesh And My Heart May Fail, But God Is The Strength Of My Heart And My Portion Forever. Love U Guys. HenryEtt & TyroneRusty Densmore
Warren, AR Monday, January 11, 2021 Prayers for his family! He was a great guy!Brenda Roy
Jacksonville, AR Monday, January 11, 2021 May God strengthen the family during this time of sorrow. The Roy's & Cooper's. God Bless.Barbara Benton
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 10, 2021 Roderick and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. My brother, Victor, was hoping that this wasn't true. His exact words were, "That was a good guy." Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.Jo Ann Smith-Lee
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 10, 2021 Prayers for Shirea and her children. PH was a wonderful person and always had a friendly smile. May God give the entire Ambrose family comfort.Rufus
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 10, 2021 “Smokey” was one of the most enjoyable people I have ever known. He always had a smile and his laughter roared as he did so often. We worked hand in hand at Interfor where he was known by many outside the mill for his abilities and accomplishments to get log trucks in and out of the yard. On days he might be off or out for a couple of hours, the drivers always inquired about Smokey’s whereabouts and when he would be back. Smokey was well known through South Arkansas and Interfor as a whole for his abilities in his job. His capability to multitask to do his main job of unloading trucks, keeping the would deck loaded and doing rollouts for inspects (while keeping the wood yard in order ) were evident each day I saw him work. Smokey was the epitome of what an employer could hope for on the job. He knew his job and worked smartly while managing the wood on the yard as well as that coming in daily. Last year, with Smokey’s help, at least 6 records were 6 records were broken pertaining to loads received per hour, per several hours, per day and per week. It’s an understatement to say Smokey was “the man” because none could do what he did. We, at the Scalehouse (and others as well) referred to Smokey as “Eagle Eye” for he saw everything that happened on the years from his perch in his machine. He would inform the Scalehouse of trucks incoming before we ever saw them.....informing us of possible problems with those loads or the quality of the loads. I feel honored and blessed to have known Smokey as a colleague and friend. My heart goes out to his family and I will keep you in my prayers during this time of great loss. Smokey indeed was the man. I know he will be missed by those who loved him. And, we who worked with him daily, will definitely feel the void left by his passing. May God bless and keep each of his family members.