Judge Taylor Phillips passed away last Friday after being ill for quite some time. His home going service was today at mulberry street church where hundreds gathered to celebrate his life. Judge Phillips certainly left a strong impression on those that we spoke with.

Jack Caldwell, Phillips' Close Friend, calls him a patriot "You hear the piper playing the Marines hymn. The Judge was a patriot, he was a Marine through and through and when I think of the judge, I think of the great generation of World War II, he was right in the middle of all of it, he really was."

David Davis, Chief Deputy for Bibb County Sheriff's Department, adds "Judge Phillips was a true judicial icon in this community, he had been a state legislator, a state senator, and a long time judge."

Chief Marvin Riggins of the Macon-Bibb County Fire reflects "He was a very community minded individual who thought so much of the core and the fabric of this community he wanted to be the absolute best that he could be."

Chief Cliff Rushin of the Macon-Bibb County Fire says "He was a great person, a great individual, just himself, not just what he stood for on the bench but off the bench as well."

Samuel F. Hart, Sr., the Chairman of Bibb County Board of Commissioners, says "We just recently named the courthouse after him and that speaks to his accomplishments and what he gave to this community. We think a lot of him."


Robert Reichert the Mayor of The City of Macon, adds "He was a strong presence in the community and he will be sorely missed."


Jack Caldwell, Phillips' Close Friend, leaves his final thought, "Judge Phillips epitome a southern gentleman. I'm losing a very dear friend, I really am."

Judge j. Taylor Phillips was born in Greenville, South Carolina on August 20, 1921 and died on June 15, 2012. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.