Mr. Philip Stephens, age 70, beloved husband of Connie of Soperton, passed away on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023 at their home.

A native and lifelong Georgian, he was born in Dublin, Georgia, the only child born to the late Angus Stephens and Lillian Thompson Stephens Sapp.   Philip grew up on the family farm in the Orianna Community until moving to Soperton at the age of fifteen.   He was a member of the graduating Class of 1971 of Treutlen County High School.  He attended Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia Southern in Statesboro, the Georgia College of Milledgeville as well as studying in Macon while earning his Master's Degree in Education.  Philip had taught History and World Geography in the Toombs County Public School System before retiring in 2005.

He served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church – Soperton, sang in the choir, was a member of the Adult Men's Sunday School Class and sang bass in the Lordsmen's Quartet.

He will be remembered as a patient, kind and gentle soul.

In addition to his parents, Philip is preceded in death by his step father, Jay Sapp.

He leaves behind, his wife, Connie Stephens, Soperton; children, Mary Allison Osborne (Todd), Hattiesburg, MS, Christopher Sawyer, Soperton, GA, Sarah Hawk (Adam), Cheyenne, WY, Nicole Cammack (Josh), Soperton, GA, Natalie Hooks (Adam), Highlands Ranch, CO, grandchildren, Devin Hawk, Colton Hawk, Brooklyn Hawk, Boone Cammack and several cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the First Baptist Church – Soperton with Pastor Chad Cofield and Reverend Mark Sweat officiating.

Phillip will be laid to rest with his parents in Westview Cemetery.

His family will receive friends on Sunday, at the church, from 2:00 pm until the hour of service of friends and family may call at the residence.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Sawyer, Josh Cammack, Andy Thompson, Steven Powell, Alan McLendon and Lay McLendon.

Serving as honorary escorts will be the Adult Men's Sunday School Class members.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence and sign the online guest register at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com

SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME; since 1917: Building Relationships, Honoring Memories and Providing Care to You and Your Loved Ones.  912-529-4411; off. or 478-455-0671; cell.