Major Claude Robert Phillips, Jr., born in Social Circle on March 30, 1918, passed away April 2, 2014. He was a devoted husband and father, married 68 years to Jean Cochran Phillips. He and Jean raised a large and happy family. Claude graduated from Oxford College of Emory University and later graduated with JD from Atlanta Law School. As a member of the “greatest generation” he joined the Army and served during WWII. Claude continued his Army career for twenty one years while serving in Germany, Korea and stateside.

Claude returned to Oxford and served on the staff at Oxford College until a second retirement. He lived the remainder of his life in Newton County at the Stone House on Stone St. Claude and Jean were members of Southwest Christian Church in Atlanta, Covington Christian Church and Brown Bridge Christian Church in Covington. He served as an elder for over four decades. He served the local community in many ways including the Lions Club, American Legion and the Gideon’s International.

Claude was met in heaven by his wife Jean, Mother Myrtle, Father Claude and Son Captain Robert Littleton Phillips. He is survived by seven children — Pat (Don) Trotter, June (Terry) Moore, Jon (Polly) Phillips, David (Mary-Ellen) Phillips, Charlie (Patricia) Phillips, Suzanne Keen, Andy (Teresa) Phillips. He also has 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

His celebration of life will be held April 19, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Covington Christian Church, with a reception/visitation to follow.