11/11/2025
Max Alton Phillips, known to his students as Mr. Max was born on March 31, 1947, in Ellisville, Mississippi. He passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Max is the son of the late James Phillips and Mayzelle Phillips, He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzi, children Macon Phillips, Jason Thomas, Stefanie Moore, Katherine Powell, and Brooke Moore, and several cherished grandchildren, Jonathon Phillips, Caleb Phillips, Carter Phillips and Garrett Phillips, Aubree Moore, Avery Moore, Parker Powell, Jackson Powell, Eva Rae Moore, Reese Moore and Great Grandson, Jonathan Phillips. In addition, Max is survived by sisters, Sandra Hatton and Sallie Rustin. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Mayzelle Opal Phillips; sister, Jamie Phillips Roddey.
Max attended Ellisville High School, Jones Junior College and Mississippi State University earning both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education.
He began his teaching career in Raleigh, Mississippi and later held positions in Monticello, South Jones and Taylorsville. During his teaching career, Max taught classes in agriculture and volunteered as a Hunter Safety instructor. Many of his students went on to become agriculture teachers themselves.
In between teaching assignments, Max worked as a banker with an emphasis on Agricultural Loans. He also managed to spend time as a livestock specialist for the FFA programs. After retirement, Max worked as a safety inspector for oil field companies in several states. In recent months, Max served on the Mississippi Prison Board as Agriculture Consultant for Mississippi Prisons.
Max was the father to Macon Phillips and Stepfather to Jason, Stefanie, Katherine and Brooke taking his role as a parent and later, grandparent, very seriously. Supporting and encouraging each of his kids in every endeavor and loving to boast about their achievements.
Max was an avid rabbit hunter and spent many nights listening to his beagles run. Not sure if he ever killed a rabbit, but he enjoyed telling tall tales with his friends and family. Several of his dogs went on to do well in field trials which made him very proud.
In his spare time Max supported several organizations including FFA, Hunt for Heros, Horses for Handicapped and Junior Livestock Shows. It was in his DNA to help others and it brought him much joy to make a difference in their lives. He was an active member of the Taylorsville Presbyterian Church. He was treasured by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home, located at 1204 B Ave, Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The services will be officiated by Revs, Macon Phillips, Johnny Bryant, and Hudie Holifield.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Phillips, Caleb Phillips, Garrett Phillips, Carter Phillips, Jackson Powell, Parker Powell, and Jason Thomas. Arrangements are under the care of Ellisville Funeral Home, and condolences may be shared online at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
