Most of the 800 seats at 3 Trees church were filled Saturday as family, friends and emergency personnel from across the state came to show their respects to Russell County Deputy Sheriff Josh Phipps, who died in the line of duty on Monday, Sept. 16.
While hundreds of officers were there to honor their fallen comrade, the words spoken by 3 Trees campus pastor Kurt Hill mostly focused on Josh Phipps the beloved brother and son.
Hill told stories that Phipps’ family had shared with him about Josh’s love for science, books, adventure, and his love for his dog, Lizard. Josh traveled a lot and enjoyed new experiences. He worked in the oil fields in Texas and even spent a few weeks on a job in Florida working with sea turtles, but he quit “because they didn’t have good wi-fi and he needed to stay connected to his family.”
“Wherever he went, he always came back home,” Hill said.
Phipps lived in Adair County and is the son of Donnie and Pam Phipps, of Adair County. He had one sibling, Rachel Adams, of Jamestown.
Hill said Phipps died doing what he loved, serving and protecting the community.
“Deputy Josh Phillips is a hero, and he served with all his heart and ability, giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect innocent lives. The Bible teaches, ‘No greater love hath any man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,’” Hill said.
A ceremony was held outside of the church with a 21-gun salute and a flag being presented to the family. A procession led Deputy Phipps’ body to Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with plans for cremation to follow.
By Sharon Burton
snburton@farmlandpub.com
