Elford Phillips

Elford Phillips, affectionately known as “Al” or “Bug,” was born on March 13, 1949, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late Earnest and Lenora Phillips. He was the youngest of six children and was raised in St. Louis, Missouri.

Al was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System and later enlisted in the United States Army, where he received awards and honors before being honorably discharged. After returning home, he graduated from Ranken Technical College, earning a certificate in HVAC Heating.

On May 27, 1970, Elford married Myra Jones, and together they had four children: Kimberly, Elford, Alphonso, and Anthony.

In his later years, Elford professed his hope in Christ and became a member of Mount Beulah MB Church. He worked for the VA Hospital and Good Shepherd Nursing Home, where he eventually retired.

Elford had many passions in life, including a love for sports—especially tennis, football, and baseball—but his greatest passion was for his hometown team, the Saint Louis Cardinals. He loved to talk and share stories about the "good old days," always with humor. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing cards with friends for coins and was very skilled at handball. Elford also had a great love for reading, particularly novels and the newspaper, which he read daily.

Al took great pride in his appearance, often dressing in fine clothing, wearing shining jewelry, two gold teeth, sunglasses, and a very nice hat. His favorite place to eat was Golden Corral. Al was well-known for greeting people with a smile that was contagious, always making others smile in return.

Elford was called home on Sunday, October 13, 2024. He joined his beloved wife, Myra, his parents Earnest and Lenora Phillips, his sisters Lodean, Shirley, and Pecolia, and his brother Herschel.

He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memories: his children, Kimberly, Elford, Alphonso (Aesha), and Anthony, along with his bonus daughter, Penny (Warren). He is also survived by his brother Ernest Phillips (Susie), his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Elford also had a very special friend, Patricia Roberts. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.