Jerome 'Hertis' Phillips

Jerome ‘Hertis’ Phillips, age 86, of Oneida, TN, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home.  Born July 29, 1939, in Oneida, Scott County, TN, he was the son of the late Leamon and Millie Keeton Phillips.  

Hertis was a Veteran of the U. S. Army, and an Ordained Minister.  He Pastored New River Missionary Baptist Church, Tunnel Hill Baptist Church and New Haven Missionary Baptist Church.  He retired from Big John’s after 28 years of being supervisor; served as a county commissioner for 13 years; and was a driver for ETHRA for many years.

In addition to his parents, Hertis was preceded in death by his brothers:  J. C. Phillips, Ronnie Phillips, Bill Phillips and Mike Phillips; sisters:  Alene Phillips McDonald, Joan Phillips, Lois Phillips Brown, and Veneda Phillips Grimes; special son-in-law:  Scott Terry; and Tim and Teresa’s mother:  Charlene.

Hertis is survived by his wife of 46 years:  Terri Newport Phillips; children:  Teresa Phillips Terry, Tim Phillips (Penny), Kaitlyn Phillips King (Caleb), and Sarah Phillips Gray (Colton); grandchildren:  Seth Phillips, Kelli Miller, Andrew Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Remi Gray, Ruger Gray, Asher King; great grandchildren:  Oaklyn Phillips, Brynlee Miller and Gracyn Miller; special caregiver:  Elizabeth Phillips; hospice nurse:  Pam Byrge; as well as other family members and a host of friends.

Friends may visit with the Phillips family on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Kermit Phillips and Bro. Russell Ellis officiating.  Music will be provided by the New River Missionary Baptist Church Choir.

Burial will follow in the Reed Cemetery with full Military Honors by local American Legion #136.  Pallbearers will be:  Caleb King, Colton Gray, Levi Miller, Culley Phillips, Andrew Phillips, and Jacob Phillips.  Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Jeff Jarnigan, Don Newport, Mike Silcox, and Don Jeffers.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Jerome ‘Hertis’ Phillips.

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