Ellis "Dunk" Phillips

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ellis "Dunk" Dorman Phillips, who left this world peacefully on September 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dunk was born on December 26, 1940, to Dupree and Lutrelle Phillips and raised in Comer, Georgia. He was a proud graduate of Madison County High School, where his love of sports and competitive spirit first took root. A natural athlete with a sense of humor, Dunk carried both qualities with him throughout his life. He also served in the United States Army. Dunk had a quick wit with a stubborn streak. He had a lifelong love of sports, especially golf, which he played well into his later years. A true fan of the Atlanta Braves, he rarely missed a game and always had a running commentary ready—solicited or not. He was also an avid animal lover—so much so that any animal he encountered was sure to leave a little heavier than it came. His soft spot for animals matched his generosity and heart.

Dunk is survived by his three sons, Ellis Dorman Phillips Jr., Lance (Regina) Phillips, and Landon Phillips, and his cherished grandchildren, Chandler Phillips, Tucker Phillips, Kinley Phillips, Cody Phillips, Christopher Phillips, and Tyler Phillips. He is also remembered fondly by countless friends, extended family, and every animal lucky enough to cross his path.

He will join in heaven his parents Dupree and Lutrelle Phillips, his siblings Jerry Phillips, Reggie Phillips, and Sue Phillips, his wife Maxine Phillips, his grandson Colton Phillips, and his great granddaughter Savannah Phillips.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the life he lived—a life full of grit, laughter, love, golfing, and Braves baseball. Dunk’s legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the values he passed down, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 19 at 1:00 pm at Danielsville Evangelical Church, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember “Dunk.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be in the form of deer corn or duck food, so we can continue to feed his friends in his honor.