Published on January 16, 2026 10:10 am
Last Updated on January 16, 2026 10:19 am
Gary Wayne Phillips entered into eternal rest surrounded by his children on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital leaving behind a family who adored him and a life full of stories and laughter. He was born on November 10, 1953 in Highland, Illinois to Wayne and Betty (Merry) Phillips.
Gary attended Effingham High School and later graduated from Barber College in Champaign Illinois where he was employed at Lando Barber Shop on the U of I campus before moving his family back to Effingham where he worked for almost 20 years at World Color Press.
Gary is survived by his children, Tracy Kitchens of San Antonio, TX, Brad (Beth) Phillips of Nashville, TN and Brittany Phillips of Effingham. He was a proud grandfather to Aaden, Aubrey, Avery, and Finn who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his mother Betty (Phillips) Elam of Effingham; his brother, Douglas (Sally) Phillips of Columbia, MO and a nephew and cousins.
Gary had a deep love for cooking and grilling and could often be found making meals for those around him. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, vacationing in Daytona Beach, Florida, teaching his children to swim, taking his mother to events at the Effingham Performance Center and the Effingham County Fair and held a special place in his heart for his beloved German Shepards.
Gary will be remembered for his ornery personality, his love of humor, and sharing his version of words of wisdom with anyone who would listen and especially his children and grandchildren often ending phone calls with “Be Aware of Your Surroundings, Love You”.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Phillips; and his niece, Charis (Phillips) Gohel.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL Burial will be in Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Effingham County Animal Shelter or E.A.R.S. Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.