Harry Lamar Phillips

Harry Lamar Phillips, 92, of Sharpsburg, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in the home he built, surrounded by the family he loved. He was born in Coweta County January 6, 1934, in the depths of the Great Depression. He was the second son of Thomas Marvin Phillips and Beatrice Hines Phillips. Harry attended Madras School and graduated from Newnan High School in 1951. He studied IBM Programming and Data Processing at Greenleaf School of Business in Atlanta. He served his country in the Army National Guard, serving 10 years in the HQ Troop, 1st Recon SQ., 108th Armor in Newnan, where he attained the rank of Sargent First Class. He and Troop members received annual training in camps in Anniston, Alabama and Fort Stewart, Georgia. Harry worked briefly for Eastern Airlines and Ford Motor Company, before settling into a career in the Insurance business. “The Policy Man,” as he was widely known, retired from Metropolitan Insurance Company, making friends as he serviced the needs of the South Metro area. He is remembered for his sense of humor and his polished appearance - the result of growing up in the Depression. Shoes were his weakness — and his were always spit shined. Harry served on the Board of Directors for Coweta Family and Children’s Services for many years, and was very active in the South Fulton Kiwanis Club. While his career and civic activities were important, Harry’s life was centered around his family and grounded in the church. On August 21, 1953, he married Mary Jo Bowie in a ceremony held in her parent’s Palmetto home. Their union lasted over 72 years and produced two children, Marcy and Lance. While he would occasionally hit the golf course with his buddies, Harry’s focus always centered on his home and family — loving, protecting and providing for them. Whether he was babysitting Marcy, teaching Lance to drive, shopping for a special gift for Mary Jo on Christmas Eve, or taking them all to the beach, that’s exactly where he wanted to be. Harry liked to joke, sing and play the steel guitar. He was partial to Hawaiian music. An outdoorsman, he liked to hunt rabbit and quail, raise cattle, and could be found bush-hogging the fields when he was in his late 80s. His hobby was woodworking, and he showed his love to his children by building each of them a home. Harry’s favorite bible verse was the 23rd Psalm. He was a very active member of Palmetto Baptist Church for many years and later attended Crossroads Church. He served in many capacities at Palmetto Baptist, from Treasurer to singing in the choir. He even spent a few seasons on the church ball team until he was sidelined by a broken ankle. Harry Phillips was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Asa Phillips and his sister Sara Phillips Coggin. Harry is survived by his wife and partner of 72 years Mary Jo Phillips; daughter Marcy Phillips Marlow (Steve), Sharpsburg; and son Lance Lamar Phillips (Christine), Panama City Beach, Florida. Grandchildren Alexander Bilezerian, Newnan; Connor Bilezerian, Sharpsburg; and Katelyn Phillips, Fayetteville. Step-grandchildren Kevin Watson, Ontario, California; Jamie Whelchel, Panama City Beach, Florida; Dylan Whelchel, LaGrange; Joe Marlow, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; and Ginna Marlow, Destin, Florida. He is also survived by numerous family members and friends. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Harry now rests in peace, surely welcomed home with open arms. No doubt he arrived in his spit shined shoes, ready for whatever work or worship awaits him next. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2 o’clock in the Chapel of Parrott Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Huckaby officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan.

Harry Lamar Phillips

January 6, 1934 - March 29, 2026