J.C. Phillips, 78, Richmond, Indiana left this world on February 17th, 2021 to join his beloved wife, Lorene Phillips in God’s prepared place. He left on his terms and his way surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesday, February 24th at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, followed by his funeral service at 2 pm. All who knew J.C. are welcome to attend. Burial will take place next to his beloved wife following the funeral service at Goshen Cemetery, Richmond, IN. Arrangements are being handled by Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary.
J.C. was born in Shea, Tennessee (a/k/a Beech Fork) to Isaac and Nancy Phillips on October 28, 1942. He graduated from the Hard Knocks School of Life and was proud to be a Hillbilly. He married the love of his life, Lorene Atkins on February 2, 1963. J.C. led a remarkable life being the example of a fine person, a devoted husband, an amazing father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Lorene first met in an orphanage home in the hills of Tennessee and together headed north to settle in Indiana to make a life for themselves and their soon to be family. Not having much in their beginning years, J.C. worked up through the ranks and studied to work in management at Johns-Manville. There, he honed his business skills to start his own business and first began his entrepreneurial journey with an antique store in Centerville, IN. From there, he opened his furniture and carpet store in Richmond, IN called Phillips Furniture & Carpet and later expanded to open Rose City Furniture raising his girls in the business teaching them everything he knew. J.C. was a naturally gifted businessman that enjoyed much success over the years. He was able to retire at the young age of 42 which was his ultimate dream. Once he realized that dream, he and his wife enjoyed another 35 years together as he focused on enjoying life and his family. J.C. was a Bible believing Christian that read his Bible daily. After the loss of his beloved wife, he focused on God’s Word and visited her grave daily until his health would not allow him to. J.C. was a wise and God fearing man.
J.C. is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lorene, his parents Isaac and Nancy Carroll Phillips, his brothers Tom Phillips, Billy Phillips, Dean Phillips, and Rondal Phillips, his sister, Ermal (Erma Lee) Phillips Richardson, his mother-in-law Martha Mann, his father-in-law Alvin Atkins, sister-in-laws, Barb Woods and Mary Mabe, his brother-in-law Ray Atkins and his son-in-law, John Davis.
J.C. is survived by his three daughters, Sharon Thomas (Mike), Sherry Davis and Sheril Vergara (Roger). J.C. (Poppy) is survived by his grandchildren, Cory Legear (Carissa), Evan Ward, Cody Woodruff (Lorraine) and Austin Legear, step-grandchildren, Greg Davis and Micah Thomas, great grandchildren, Emmalynn Woodruff, Brylee Legear, Kylee Legear and soon to arrive Olivia Woodruff . He is also survived by his siblings, Rendal Phillips, Della Harper and Nancy Szymkowiak and his Brother-in-laws, Bill Kelley and Dave Kelley, Sister-in-law Thelma England and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
J.C. and Lorene raised their three girls to be strong, God fearing, determined women that will lean on their faith for strength to carry on after they are gone. J.C. was an amazing man that was wise beyond measure. His legacy will live on through his family. He was an avid fan of bluegrass music which represented his heritage. J.C. introduced his grandson, Evan Ward to bluegrass and Evan still plays the banjo today as a gifted musician. J.C.’s pride and joy was his family. His teachings and advice will drive and sustain his family and all that were privileged to know and be loved by him.
Flowers and wishes are welcomed but your presence is welcomed more as the family asks for your encouragement and love in honor of their legendary loved one, J.C. Phillips.