Buddy Zane Phillips passed away at the age of 67 on September 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Buddy at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 in the Loganville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home with Pastor Joel Goddard officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Haven Memory Gardens in Monroe. There will be a visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 and 10:00 – 10:45 AM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home in Loganville.
Buddy was born to Charles Benton and Iris Lewis Phillips on October 21, 1956 in Winston-Salem, NC. His family moved to Decatur, GA in 1959. As a child, Buddy participated in youth sports at Midway Park including Little League All Star baseball teams and Midway Mighty Mites traveling football teams. Buddy attended and graduated from Avondale High School in Decatur, Georgia in 1975. During his time at Avondale High School Buddy was an avid athlete and participated on the varsity football, baseball and wrestling teams. During those years Buddy made lifelong friends.
Buddy began his 43-year successful career at Peachtree High School in DeKalb County. Buddy was only 20 years old when he began working as a campus monitor. During that time, he had the support of Principal John Snoderly. A man he had known during his time playing football at Avondale High School. While working at Peachtree High School his true talents were revealed, Buddy was able to connect with students and positively influence the choices they were making. During that time, he also shared his love of football as he announced all the high school football games at North DeKalb Stadium. After his time in DeKalb County, Buddy moved on to the rapidly growing Gwinnett County Public School system where he would spend the next 38 years of his career. He continued to positively influence not only students, but teachers, administrators and colleagues. His time was spent throughout the district working at Brookwood High School, Meadowcreek High School, Lilburn Middle School, North Gwinnett High School and Parkview High School. In addition to these schools, Buddy worked as a campus monitor at Phoenix High School in the evenings. For more than 30 years Buddy worked two jobs in GCPS schools. Hard work was no stranger to Buddy, he loved his work and the people that he worked with. Buddy was a beloved and valuable member of the school community wherever he worked. He became the heart and soul of each and every school. Buddy always had a smile, a story and encouraging words. He made everyone feel loved and appreciated. Buddy radiated a special warmth. He touched so many lives with his kindness and his positive outlook. Buddy loved Georgia Bulldog football! He enjoyed fishing, cooking and gardening. But every person whom Buddy encountered knew that his most precious treasure in life was his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Benton Phillips; mother, Iris Lewis Phillips; sister, Sharon Phillips Bowen and sister, Martha Phillips Drury. Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Farrah Franklin Phillips of Loganville, GA; sons, Josh Phillips (Chevas) of Winder, GA; Austin Phillips (Natalie) of Atlanta, GA; Dylan Phillips of Gainesville, GA; Tyler Phillips of Loganville, GA; 2 granddaughters, Harlan and Raylan; grandson, Porter and brother, Charles Gray (Lynn) Phillips of Marietta, GA. Buddy is also survived by a host of relatives including an aunt, nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws who loved him deeply. He also left behind his adored and devoted dogs.
Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 670 Tom Brewer Road, Loganville, GA 30052. 770-466-1544. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.
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Reposted courtesy of Tim Stewart Funeral Home.
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