Jerry Dean Phillips of Sheridan, Arkansas was born October 19, 1966, the son of Shirley Emberton and the late Taylor Phillips, Jr. He was a member of Little Creek Missionary Baptist Church, served in the United States Air Force and was a hydraulic mechanic for Entergy. Jerry lived by the motto, "It's not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away". He was always looking for the next adventure, and not only that, he was ready and willing to help anyone in need. He had served on the Sheridan Fire Department and Grant County Rescue and was a true friend to Grant County. There are not many people in Grant County, that don't have a funny Jerry Phillips story to share. He brought joy to so many, and there was no doubt that his family was his life. Jerry loved his wife Sheila so very much and lived to make memories with his sons, Christopher and Dakota.

Jerry died Saturday, August 6, 2011 near Heber Springs, Arkansas, as a result of an accident, at the age of 44. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Taylor and Opal Phillips, Sr.; maternal grandmother, Susie Sprinkle; and sister-in-law, Cindy Briscoe.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Smith Phillips who he married December 31, 1996; Sons, Christopher Phillips and Dakota Phillips; Mother and step-father, Shirley and Jerry Emberton; Mother-in-law and father-in-law, Orlene Barner and Stanley Royal; brother, David Phillips, all of Sheridan; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Scott Banks of Cabot; nieces, Chelsea Wilson, Ashleigh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Lauren Phillips; nephews, Dwight Wilson and Hunter Phillips and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sheridan with Bro. Ricky Poyner officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan. There will be no visitation. An account has been set up at People's Bank for Sheila and the boys. Memorials may be made to that account.