I want to inform all Scrappers that our high school football coach and teacher, Malcom Phillips, passed away yesterday afternoon in Mississippi. I know that many people will agree with me when I say that Coach Phillips influenced many people our age, not only on the athletic field, but also off the field in the classroom and how he lived his life. I can say that without a doubt that other than my parents, Coach Phillips was the most influential adult person in my life during my high school years. The best Scrapper football player of all time, Billy Fletcher, once said, " If it was not for Coach Phillips, my life was destined for one of destruction".
My buddy and your fellow classmate,Sam Wamble, called me yesterday afternoon to inform me of the death of Coach Phillips. Many of you probably do not know that Sam and Coach maintained a very close relationship throughout the years. When Sam became head football at Briarcrest High School, Sam asked Coach Phillips if he would be interested in assisting him with the football team. Coach Phillips had already retired, but because of their relationship and the fact that Coach was always willing to help any of his former Scrappers, he came out of retirement and became an assistant coach and teacher reporting to his head coach, his former player, Sam Wamble. It was an unique relationship that lasted several years with much success.
When Sam Wamble got the call from Coach's family, they asked him if he would be a pallbearer. This obviously demonstrates the kind of relationship they had with each other. Sam told me, very emotionally, " John, I told his family I would be deeply honored to serve as a pallbearer."
Newton County Funeral Home in Newton, Mississippi, is handling the funeral of Coach Phillips. They are located in Newton, MS., at 9998 Hwy. 15 North, 39345. Visitation is Saturday November 23rd from 4-7 p.m. and the funeral is Sunday November 24th at 2:00