Eric Mitchell Phillips, Sr.

It is with deeply wounded hearts, that the Phillips families of the "Historic East Roanoke Community", must share the distressing news of the passing from this life of our beloved son, father, grandfather, and brother, Eric Mitchell Phillips, 57.   Although Eric's life was shortened by illness, we will forever remember him for his inner strength; the way he persevered, even when times got tough, he held fast and pushed toward his dreams.   Eric transitioned from this life on Thursday morning, August 8, 2024.   He was at Twin Fountains Nursing Home, in LaGrange, GA. 

In Loving Memory Of
Eric Mitchell Phillips aka “Cat Man”

Eric Mitchell Phillips Sr. was born in Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama, on January 4th, 1967, to the parentage of the late Leroy (Kimo Sabe) Phillips and Mrs. Audrey Phillips Owens, natives of both Randolph, and Chambers County.   Eric was somewhat of a "home-body" when not working, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  At an early age, he joined Rehope Baptist Church in Lafayette, (Chambers County)  Alabama. He remained a life-long member of Rehope, attending when he could, as he spent most of his time supporting his family.

Eric transitioned from this life on Thursday morning, August 8, 2024, at Twin Fountains Nursing Home in LaGrange, Georgia.   Eric grew up here in the neighborhood, attending Roanoke City Schools and being a member of Rehope Missionary Baptist Church.  Eric was given a nickname and was well known as “Catman”   Everybody in and out of the surrounding area knows him by this name, which he got from his high school teammates.  

"Catman" — a guy with a lotta heart — was a 1986 graduate of Handley High School, where he played football as a tight end and wide receiver; he was a "BEAST" on the football team, in which he excelled, and received a scholarship to Jacksonville State University in the fall of 1986.   Unfortunately while playing football at JSU, he sustained an injury to his knee which compelled him to leave the sport he loved so much.  BUT, that didn’t stop him, and he was never a complainer, so from there, Eric went on and joined the United States Navy.  Despite his diligence and determination he never recovered from that injury, which prevented him from fulfilling his essential training duties.  

Neither did this stop him — so It was at this point, Eric's life began to move in a different direction.  He returned home and started pursuing work in local industries —  including Amoco for a few years, Randolph County Hospital, FiberGlass Unlimited, and a Custodian at Roanoke City Schools.  "Catman" refused to "give up" no matter how many obstacles he faced;  Ultimately, his knee injury became a formidable enemy, and just simply would not allow Eric to continue, and he was compelled to submit to being "disabled". 

Eric transitioned from this life on Thursday morning, August 8, 2024.   He was at Twin Fountains Nursing Home, in LaGrange, GA.  We are so proud that we got to know Eric; because we understand why you love him so much.  Your father, son, grandfather, and brother, was an inspiration to us all. May he rest in peace and power.

 A flood of great and wonderful memories will remain with his beloved mother, Audrey Phillips Owens of Roanoke, AL; son, Eric Phillips, Jr.;  daughters, LaToria Wright and Zarria Wright all of Roanoke, AL; sisters, Helen Lewis, Kathy Phillips, Linda Phillips of Roanoke, AL, and Mary Herring (Dwight) of Woodland, AL;  brothers, Jimmy Phillips, Michael Phillips, Mark Phillips (Kelly), Sammy Phillips, and Larry Phillips (Diane) all of Roanoke, AL;  one (1) granddaughter, Alayah Brielle Gilbert; one (1) grandson; Legend Izayus Lee; a host of, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

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