Terrell Ray Phillips

Terrell Ray Phillips, 82, of Columbus, Georgia, passed peacefully on January 30, 2026, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM, Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 20 GA Hwy 315, Fortson, GA 31808. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church according the McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Terrell was born November 2, 1943, he was the son of Benjamin Terrell Phillips and Althea Oneta Perkins (Gore), and he grew up in Bibb City, Georgia.

Known to his family and friends as “Teddy Ray,” he had a true love for classic cars and could often be found building or working on them in his shop or showing them off at car shows. He loved a good cigar and a ride on his motorcycle or side-by-side. He enjoyed hunting of all kinds, especially alongside his prized coon dog, Jack.

He was an entrepreneur (Ray Phillips Siding Co.) and businessman at his core, and the hardest worker we’ve ever known. He spent many years driving a school bus, a role he really enjoyed, and he deeply cared for every child he carried. Nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Phillips, his sons Ricky Phillips (Margaret) and Michael Phillips (Sherry), and step-daughter Lisa Hudson (Mark); his grandchildren Blake Brookshire (Ashley), Maegan Phillips (Coley), Ansley Harrison (Nathan), Sydney Phillips (Austin), and Chelsea Hudson; his great‑grandchildren Rayleigh Brookshire, Ava Brookshire, McKinley Johnson, Adelynn Johnson, Carter Ezell, and Colt Ezell; and his siblings Darlene Phillips Mathis (Sylacauga, AL), Benny Phillips (Athens, GA), Johnny Phillips (Athens, GA), and Ben Phillips (Concord, NC).

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Robert Reese, Edna Phillips, and Ossie Phillips.

During his years as a school bus driver, Teddy Ray made it a habit to quietly pay off school lunch debts at New Mountain Hill Elementary School. Having come from humble beginnings, it meant a lot to him to give back to the children in his community. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to “School Lunch Angels” at www.SchoolLunchAngels.org/donate. In the comments, please include “In Memory of Ray Phillips” so we may continue to support those students in his honor.