George Thomas “G.T.” Phillips, age 71 of Warm Springs, Georgia, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia.

A graveside funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Mt. Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Warm Springs, with the Rev. Jimmy Bowden officiating.

Visitation will be prior to the service, from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Cox Funeral Home in Manchester. All other times, the family will be gathered at his residence; 1446 Phillips Road, Warm Springs, Georgia. 31830.

Mr. Phillips was born Aug. 10, 1946, in Warm Springs, the son of William George Phillips and Burldean Christine Williams Phillips. He was retired as an Assistant Superintendent for P. F. Moon Construction Co. in West Point, Georgia, after a lifetime of working in construction throughout Georgia and Alabama.

“G.T.” as he was best known to friends, loved work but his greatest passion was dirt track racing. He began his association with race cars during the late 1950’s as an employee of Leon Heard and Robert Hubbard in Manchester, Georgia. Over time he was the owner of several race cars and for 17 years actively participated in racing at the East Alabama Motor Speedway (EAMS). 

His proudest achievement came in 2006 when his car, driven by his son Thomas, won the track championship. That year he was also named owner of the year. His son was driver of the year, and their mechanic was named mechanic of the year. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William Phillips, and a brother, Howard Phillips.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Brenda Phillips of Warm Springs; three children, Regina Ward (Tony) of Manchester, Thomas Phillips (Angie) of LaGrange and Clifton Phillips (Crystal) of Warm Springs; four brothers, A.C. Phillips (Betty), Oscar Phillips (Penny), Frank Phillips and Fred Phillips; three sisters, Nancy Johnson, Geraldine McCullough (Everett Jr.) and Martha Levins; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one soon-expected great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be accepted or those who desire may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be offered at www.coxfh.com.

Cox Funeral Home, 93 Prather Barnes Road, Manchester, Georgia, is assisting the family with arrangements.