Mr. Fred A. Phillips, age 72, Jonesborough, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2012 at his residence.

Mr. Phillips was born in Washington County, TN and son of the late Ed Phillips, Sr. & Ora Fritz Phillips. In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ed Phillips, Jr., Carlos Phillips and Perry Phillips.

Mr. Phillips was of the Protestant faith.

He was a United States Army Veteran and served in the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Mr. Phillips graduated from East Tennessee State University with an Associate of Science Degree and Majoring in Criminal Justice. He was a Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Safety from January 2003-January 2006, Sheriff for Washington County, Tennessee from September 1, 1994 until January 15, 2003, Deputy Commissioner for Tennessee Department of Safety, Director/Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Public Safety Director, Johnson City Police Chief, Special Agent for Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Detective Lieutenant, and Detective Sergeant. Mr. Phillips received law enforcement commendation medal for outstanding service and dedication to the maintenance of law and order award given at Johnson City, Tennessee by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. By Unanimous vote, he was selected as Tennessee Sheriff of the Year, elected member of Board of Directors of the National Sheriff’s Association and elected President of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association. He was appointed by Governor Don Sundquist to statewide Public Safety Committee. He was Chairman of East Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Council. Mr. Phillips was appointed by Governor as member of Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.

Survivors include his wife, Verla Davis Phillips, Jonesborough; son and daughter-in-law, Doug & Jenny Phillips, Elizabethton; daughter, Anita Fink, Johnson City; sister, Brenda Bryant, Jonesborough; grandchildren, Angela Fink, Austin Fink, Kane Phillips and Luke Phillips; and two great-grandchildren, Nathan Fink and Grayson Fink.

Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 pm Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Chaplain Dennis Hamm officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 pm & 5:00-7:00 pm Sunday prior to the service.

Interment services will be conducted 10:00 am Monday, October 15, 2012 at Mountain Home National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Pectol, Ed Graybeal, John Lowry, Austin Fink, Cory Gage, Kane Phillips and Richard Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be Lincoln Higgins, Taylor Bettis, Bill Thomas, Bob Denny, Henry Samples, Joel Seal, Luke Phillips, Johnson City Police Department, Washington County Sheriff Department and State Highway Patrol.