"Pastor Cliff rescued me from a bad host family when I was 16 years old and was an exchange student at Quincy Senior High School. The host family was charging my parents in Japan very high monthly rent, utility and other fees but the host family went for a vacation to Florida and left me in the house alone with TV dinners for days. I called Pastor Cliff and he and his wife came and rescued me from the host family. Pastor Cliff called my father in Japan. And they took me to their home. From that day I became their Japanese daughter. My parents in Japan thank Pastor Phillips and his family. I was rescued by Pastor Cliff."
In loving memory of
Rev. Clifford Phillips
June 10, 2013
Rev. Clifford Gene Phillips, age 83, was taken to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 4:53 p.m.
Clifford was born to Joseph and Thelma Kribble Phillips on November 13, 1929. He married Opal Williams on September 15, 1947. She survives.
Clifford attended Quincy High School, Quincy University, and Olivet Nazarene University, where he attained his ordination to the ministry. He filled in and pastored for several area churches for 65 years, the latest being the country Woodland Church, which he served until his death. Clifford was bi-vocational in the insurance field. He received a C.L.U. degree with the American College of Life Underwriters and taught insurance for 21 years.
In addition to his wife, survivors include: two sons: Stanley C. Phillips of Quincy; and Rev. Steven Gene Phillips of Burlington, VT; a granddaughter in Nashville, TN: two step-grandchildren in Quincy; and two step-grandchildren in Vietnam; and three step-great-grandchildren in Vietnam.
Services: 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2013 at Fishhook United Bretheren Church in Fishhook, IL, with the Rev. Joey Phillips officiating.
Visitation: Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Burial: Woodland Cemetery, in Baylis, IL
Memorials: Blessing Cancer Center or Woodland Church.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"I will always remember Clifford for his kindness to me as a younger minister while pastoring in Quincy, IL. He was one of the most encouraging, supportive and positive influences in my term at Bethel Assembly of God Church. Our ministry paths intersected frequently and I had the privilege of sharing the platform with him at many community faith events as well as traveling with him to the Holy Land. I considered him my elder both in rank and esteem. When I heard that he had entered his rest, I could not help but immediately insist that the world is a diminished place without his presence. His family has my sincere sympathy, Rev. Barry N. Clair Tiffany Fellowship Church - Kansas City, Missouri"
"Dear Opal and family ~ I am sorry to hear of Clifford's passing. While we know he's enjoying heaven and being in the presence of the One he so faithfully preached about and lived for, I know your hearts are still heavy with grief. I remember him for his love of God's Word. I also remember him and Opal singing "Blessed Redeemer" at church, and always associate that song with Clifford and Opal. The last verse of that song says: "O how I love Him, Savior and Friend, How can my praises ever find end! Through years unnumbered on Heaven?s shore, My tongue shall praise Him forevermore." We know he's now on Heaven's shore, and I'm sure he's begun that eternal praise in the presence of the One he loved so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless."
"We send our love and prayers to Opal, Stanley & Steven and all the family. We will always remember and thank God for the friendship and fellowship we had across the years. We will be reunited again in the land of no tears and illness. "Thank you, Pastor Cliff, for your love, prayers and support during our life?" God bless you all! In Calvary's Bonds, Lyle G. & Joann"
"Dear Opal, Steve and Stan... I only learned of Cliff's passing today (June 13). My thoughts are with you during this time of loss. I pray the comfort of the Holy Spirit carries you through and gives you strength to face the days ahead."
"He will be sorely missed by his friends and his church family."
"We will miss our friend, counselor, and prayer partner. We worked together for many causes, all of which were about Jesus. Cliff was a tireless crusader for the cause of Jesus Christ, and he will be greatly missed. We are praying for you Opal, and family. Opal and Cliff have been a great example to all of us as they prayerfully loved one another, and all of us. God bless you."