Deacon Charlie James Phillips, Jr. (CJ) was born December 21, 1933, in Quitman, Georgia to Charlie James Phillips, Sr. and Annie Vester Hunt. Deacon Phillips attended school in Brooks County, Georgia. He was employed as an independent truck driver for many years and was one of the founders of the Adel Truckers Club. He later became employed with the Del-Cook Lumber Company, also as a truck driver. After many years with Del-Cook, Deacon Phillips retired. Deacon Phillips was known as "The Barbeque King" and he loved grilling and entertaining his family and friends.

In 1966, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Edna Jean Sirmans of Adel, Georgia. Deacon Phillips was a member of Mount Moriah Freewill Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Frank Myles. He later joined the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church serving as chairman of the Deacon Board under the leadership of Rev. Thomas McDowell and Rev. Emanuel Brown. After much prayer and deliberation, he joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Phil Morris, Jr. where he served faithfully as a deacon until his health failed. Deacon Phillips was the Sunday School Superintendent for the Nashville Baptist Association and Union Meeting. He was a very punctual man who believed in being on time; just ask any pastor or deacon that belonged to the association. He also enjoyed singing with two of his favorite songs being, "Everything is Going to be Alright" and "Walk with Me, Lord."

Deacon Phillips is preceded in death by his wife, Edna Jean Phillips, his father, Charlie James Phillips, Sr., his mother, Annie Vester Hunt, two sisters, Vera Terry and Evelyn Brown, and one brother, Wilbert Merritt.

He leaves to cherish his memory, four sons Shannon Stanford (Sonja) of Adel, GA, Donald Phillips (Zondrea) of Atlanta, GA, Charlie Williams of Valdosta, GA, and Vincent Phillips of Adel, GA; three daughters Gerald Washington (James) of Adel, GA, Wanda Phillips of Atlanta GA and Charlie Mae Burgman of Adel, GA; one brother Gary Hunt, Sr., one special aunt Anne Mae Cornelius of Sparks, GA; 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Bethel Baptist Church in Adel, GA from 4PM-6PM.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 11AM at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Phil Morris, officiating. Burial will follow in the Adel Cemetery. Visit this website to view a livestream of the celebration on Sunday.

Continue to keep the family in your daily thoughts and prayers.