Mr. Ruffus Phillips, Jr., 79, of Hurtsboro, AL passed Monday, June 19, 2023 in Smiths Station, AL.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. CST) Sunday, June 25, 2023 at St. Paul A.M.E Church, Hurtsboro, AL with Rev. Christopher Reeves, pastor, officiating and Rev. Johnathan Benton, eulogist. Burial to follow in church cemetery. Visitation is Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. EST.

Ruffus Phillips, Jr. was born April 17, 1944 in Hurtsboro, AL to the late Rebecca Jackson Phillips and the late Rufus Phillips, Sr.

Rufus graduated from Russell County High School in 1962 and served several years in the U. S. Air Force. This was the beginning of his career, as he would go on to work at Arcelor Mittal, one of the largest steel mining companies known nationwide. He served 39 years and retired at Westrock.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Phillips; caring son, Felix Phillips, Hurtsboro, AL; devoted daughter, Qundia (Demarco) Ragland, Midland, GA; two grandchildren, Dontavious Jones and Demarcus Ragland; two sisters, Bettye Phillips, Juanita Reed and a host of other relatives and friends.