Rodney ‘Hot Rod’ Lamar Phillips

Rodney “Hot Rod” Lamar Phillips, 53, formerly of McDonough, passed away peacefully Aug. 20, 2020, with loving family by his side.

He is survived by mother, Shirley Phillips; sister, Cassie Phillips Stanley; daughters, Melody Whitt and Carrie Phillips; and spouse, Amie Hood Phillips.

He was born Jan. 5, 1967, in Fulton County, to Hoyt and Shirley Phillips. He attended Riverdale High School and graduated in 1985. 

He was previously married to Lisa (Lea) Shelton and they had two beautiful daughters, Melody and Carrie.  

He adored his daughters and they were the light of his life. Rodney and Lisa eventually separated, but remained amicable and devoted parents to their daughters.

In October of 2013, he stepped into the shoes of his late father and took over the title of “granddaddy.” He earned the title again in 2016 and 2017. He would spend every chance he could with his three grandchildren, Rylan, Weslie and Maverick. They enjoyed going to the splash pad, crunching cups of ice for hours, playing pranks and laughing uncontrollably. Rodney’s special talent was taking away the sting of any boo-boo and stopping their crying with just a warm embrace. He enjoyed snuggling with the grandchildren and being their own private jungle-gym.

In November of 2015, he would find love again and married Amie Hood. They spent the last several years together while living in Monroe, with children from Amie’s previous marriage.

In the last few months of his wonderful life, Rodney surrounded himself with family. He was always there for you if you ever needed anything, and would give you the shirt off his back with no questions asked.  He had a huge personality and had the ability to captivate any room. No matter what the situation, he was always able to make you laugh. 

He was a hard worker and excelled at his profession of being a dispatch supervisor for CTN.  In his spare time, he loved spending time with friends and family. His favorite hobby was working with wood and building incredible pieces of furniture. 

He had recently began finding his path with Jesus while attending Rock Springs Church in Milner. He was a devoted Christian and accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into his heart. 

He will truly be missed and the void in our hearts from his passing will continue to resonate until we meet again in the Lord’s Kingdom. He will continue to shine the light of his smile down on us and act as a guardian angel alongside his father. Heaven is truly blessed to have gained such a monumental man. We find peace that Rodney has finally been relieved from the pain of the world. The mark you left on each person will never be forgotten. Thank you for the laughs, tears, hugs, kisses, love and affection. This is not us saying “goodbye,” however; it is more of a “See you soon, friend.”

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, at Rock Springs Church. Any floral arrangements can be sent to the church at 219 Rock Springs Road, Milner, GA 30257 (770-229-8663).  

A private gathering for immediate family will be held in Ellijay, at Bernhardt Funeral Home.

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” John 16:22

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.