Joe Wayne Phillips

Joe Wayne Phillips, age 72 of Calhoun, GA, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at his residence.

Wayne was born on May 12, 1953 in Rome, GA, son of the late Joseph Max Phillips and Mary Fowler Phillips. In addition to his parents, Wayne was also preceded in death by: his brother, Jerry Phillips; nephew, Bryan Phillips; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Brown. Wayne was a member of Meadowdale Baptist Church, and prior to his retirement worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office. He enjoyed fishing, music, and playing his guitar. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marie Watson Phillips; two sons, Joseph Phillips and his wife Lacretia and Jamie Phillips; daughter, Jennifer Gwin and her husband Zach; five grandchildren, Andrew Phillips and his wife Laci, Matthew Cavender, Drayton Gwin, Cy Gwin, and Mason Phillips; one great-grandbaby on the way; sister, Peggy Brown; sister-in-law, JoAnn Phillips; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 12 PM until 2 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.

A celebration of the life of Wayne will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Danny Cochran officiating.

In addition to flowers, donations in memory of Wayne may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org/donate or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Joe Wayne Phillips.