Dr. Julius Caesar Phillips

March 4, 1955 - November 1, 2020

Julius made his arrival to earth on Friday, March 4, 1955 at the Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden, Arkansas. He was greeted by his devoted parents; Shirley Mae O’Guinn-Phillips and William Phillips, Sr., of Mt. Holly, Arkansas. At a very young age, J.C. accepted Christ as his personal Savior at New Hope Baptist Church in Mt. Holly, Arkansas under the pastorage of Rev. B.T. Mitchell. He was later baptized at the French Pond under the pastorage of Rev. W.M. Moore. Some of Julius’ Christian duties he fulfilled was serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Usher, Usher Board President, Church Treasurer, Cemetery Committee Member, Member of the Youth and Senior Choir, and Youth Supervisor. Julius later became a member of the Mt. Superior Baptist Church of Magnolia, Arkansas. On November 27, 1983, Julius was ordained as a deacon under the pastorage of Rev. J.A. Aubrey; He served as Chairman of the Program Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, Mass Choir President, and Usher. After denying his calling into the ministry for 6 years, Julius finally gave in and confessed his calling on December 27, 1987 at the Mt. Superior Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. He preached his first sermon on Sunday, January 3, 1988 at Mt. Superior Baptist Church entitled “You can Run, but there is no hiding place from the presence of God.” He was later ordained as a minister at Mt. Superior by Rev. J.A. Aubrey. After fulfilling several preaching assignments, Julius was called to preach at New Hope Baptist Church on March 27, 1988 and was later called to pastor on Saturday, April 9, 1988. Rev. J.C. Phillips was installed as pastor at New Hope on Sunday, June 26, 1988. During his pastor ship, He pastored and gave his salary back to the church to help them build a new church, acquire land, get transportation, and help equip the church. In 2000, J.C. was called to pastor New Haven Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas. He helped them to purchase 2 church vans and acquire lots to purchase for additional church property. He was later called to Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Waterloo, Arkansas, in May 2006. His last and final pastoral assignment concluded at the St. Paul Baptist Church in Taylor, Arkansas, where he pastored for 14 years. Each church was special for him, and he enjoyed preaching and teaching the word to everyone in his presence. Julius graduated from Mt. Holly High School class of 1973 and graduated as a Hornet Senior Class Favorite. He loved his classmates and tried to keep in touch with everyone whom he grew up with. Upon graduating from High School, Julius was hired by Arkansas Power and Light (AP&L) and grew to love his job and the people he met doing it. He did it so well that he was promoted and took over the Lafayette County Area where he was known to most as “The LightMan.” After 31 years with AP&L, Julius ended his career with an injury and began retirement. During his retirement, he was employed with Magnolia Specialized Services and Magnolia Public School District’s Transportation Departments. After his employment with AP&L, Julius decided to devote his time to advancing himself in the religious field: He returned to school and earned several degrees. Julius attended United Theological Seminary and Bible College in El Dorado, Arkansas, and Monroe, Louisiana, where he proudly earned his Diploma of Theology on May 25, 2002, Bachelor of Religious Education on May 24, 2003, Master of Religious Education on May 22, 2004, and his Master of Theology May 21, 2005. Julius later enrolled in Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia, and received his Doctor of Ministry in May of 2006. On July 5, 1980, Julius married the love of his life, the divine Mrs. Mable Lene Doss-Phillips. In 1982, they gave birth to their first daughter, LaToya. In 1985, they gave birth to their 2nd daughter, LaKenya. In 1999, Julius and Mable adopted their nephew, Brandon, who is the son they always wanted to complete the family. Once the children were all grown, Julius began to get a greater joy out of his life when he became a PawPaw to his 3 grandchildren: I’Saly, his oldest granddaughter was born in 2004, followed by his 2nd oldest granddaughter Ke’Nya in 2009, and finally a little Julius of the family, Braylon, who was born in 2013. Having grandchildren to spoil was one of the greatest highlights of his life. Julius was now surrounded by all of his loves and did an amazing job taking care of them, providing for them, and loving them to his fullest. No one could take the love he had for his entire family, and he enjoyed every moment that God allowed him to make on earth with them. In Julius’ spare time, not only did he enjoy spending time with his family and preaching God’s word, he enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler, Hunting (before his injury), dining out, going to his grandchildren’s activities, driving the Eagle and Donkey bus, going to Wal-Mart, teaching his grandchildren their family history, traveling, socializing with people, lunch dates with “Mrs. Maple”, and being Toya’s number 1 taste tester as she learned to cook. Julius had a personality like no other he was often time serious but loved to say a joke or two to cheer people up if they appeared to be feeling down. Julius was currently the Certified Dean of the Columbia County District Congress of Christian Education and a member of the Columbia County District Trustee Board. He enjoyed working with the ministers and members of the district as well. Julius is also a member of the Prince Hall Lodge Mason Fraternity, where he joined in 1985. On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called home our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Julius C. Phillips, where he was surrounded by his affectionate family in the comfort of his loving home. Julius is preceded in passing by his father, William Phillips, Sr., of Mt. Holly, Arkansas. His mother, Shirley Mae O’Guinn-Phillips, of Mt. Holly, Arkansas, and brother William Phillips Jr., of El Dorado, Arkansas, and an aunt, Bea Wrister, of Memphis, Tennessee. He leaves to cherish in his memories, his wife, Mable L. Doss-Phillips, of Magnolia, his daughters; LaToya (Alvin) Phillips-McBride and LaKenya Phillips of Magnolia, Arkansas. A nephew, Brandon Doss, of Conway, Arkansas. 3 Grandchildren, I’Saly Duffield, Ke’Nya Brown, and Braylon Brown, of Magnolia, Arkansas. 3 Sisters, Barbara (William) McHenry of Madison, MS., JoAnn (Jimmy) Reed of El Dorado, Arkansas, Marie (Adolph) Glover, of Mt. Holly, Arkansas. 2 Aunts, Gladys Robinson of Los Angeles, California, and Lee Carter of Oakland, California, and an Uncle, Thomas (Maxine) O’Guinn and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Graveside Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday, November 14th, 2020, at New Hope Cemetery in Mount Holly, Arkansas at 1:00 p.m., under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home. Dr. John Wesson officiating/eulogist. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, “Everyone Is Required To Wear A Mask While Attending The Services And During Visitation Hours”. This ensures safety for you and others. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Visitation will be Friday, November 13th, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.