Obituary of Nelson Phillips

Nelson Lee Phillips PELION—Nelson Lee Phillips, 87, passed away Friday, February 18, 2011 of natural causes. Born April 19, 1923, in Elberton, GA, he was preceded in death by his parents Pauline Dean and David Gloer Phillips, sister - Martha Boleman, and brothers - Neal Cornelius Phillips and Gloer Phillips. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jamenell Collins Phillips, son - James David Phillips, daughter - Paula Lynn Phillips Coleman, grandchildren - Lisa Lynn Phillips, Justin Michael Coleman, Megan Elizabeth Coleman, April Lynn Phillips, and David Lee Phillips, and two great grandchildren, Aimee Paige Phillips and Jonathan Spencer Coleman and will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. Nelson grew up in Elbert County, GA and was a graduate of Elberton High School. He attended Furman University in Greenville, SC where he played football for the Paladins. He joined the Marine Corps and later attended Duke University. After four years in the Marine Corps, Nelson graduated from John Marshall School of Law in Atlanta, GA. He retired as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation after 20 years of service and accepted the position of Criminal Justice Department Head at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC. Nelson was a member of the Beulah United Methodist Church in Gilbert, SC. During his long life, Nelson was very active in his community and belonged to several philanthropic organizations. He served as Worshipful Master of Sinclair Lodge 154, Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star New Brookland Chapter 104, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Knights Templar York Rite Mason 33rd degree, and Rainbow Dad for International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Assembly 36. He served as the 1986 Potentate for the Jamil Shrine Temple in Columbia, SC and was instrumental in starting the Camel Caravan camping club. Nelson was also a member of the SC Military History Club, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Forty and Eight Society. Nelson was a "Wagonmaster" for the national Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club and led frequent caravans to Alaska, Canada, and parts of the United States. He shared his enthusiasm for travel and love of his country with his family and friends as he traveled all 50 states. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Jamil Shrine Temple Past Potentate and Past Masters Units. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington, SC. Interment will be held in Cornelia, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jamil Temple, Transportation Fund, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Family and friends may sign online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com