In the early morning on April 17th, 2010, Hillard "Tillman" Phillips completed his earthly journey after his second battle with cancer, but through it all, he lived a wonderful life. He passed away very peacefully surrounded by all of his family who loved him dearly. He was born on December 27th, 1928 to Sherman and Birdie Ashe Phillips of Jackson County. He was a resident of Mills River. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Jessie Mae Owen Phillips, two sisters, Betty Rose and Shelby Jean, two sons, Roger Dale and Tillman Eugene, and an infant daughter, Sheronda Gaye. Surviving him are three brothers, Talmadge Phillips and wife Annie of Brevard, Carroll Phillips and wife Barbara of Tuckasegee, NC, and James "Theo" Phillips and friend Betty of Darrington, WA; one sister, Mildred Galloway and husband L.C. of Brevard; three children, Sandra Kaye and husband Bob of Mountain Home, Rickey Phillips and wife Tina of Brevard, and Duane Phillips and wife Becky of Mills River; 11 grandchildren, Tisha, Beth, and Nathan all of Washington state, Annisa, Stacey, Katie and Ashley of Mountain Home, Shannon and Jeremy of Brevard, and Carmeron and Cassidy of Mills River; 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in the Chapel of Moody-Connolly Funeral Home with the Revs. Tommy Owen and Buster McCall officiating. Burial will be in Rock Bridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.