George P. Phillis

August 24, 1930 - September 25, 2017

George P. Phillis, 87, of Zanesville, died Monday morning, September 25, 2017, peacefully at his home surrounded and under the care of his family, with direction and support from Genesis Hospice. He was born August 24, 1930, in Grant Hospital in Columbus, the son of George G. & Teresa (Dreese) Phillis of Corning. He married Barbara L. (Kelly) Phillis, of Zanesville, April 16, 1955, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church by Monsignor Dury. George was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Council # 505 Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree Knight. He was a veteran of the Korean War, United States Army. And member of the VFW Post 1058, American Legion Post 29, NRN, and Charity Newsies. George graduated in 1948, from St. Bernard Catholic High School in Corning. Over the next 20 years he was employed by the New York Central Railroad, based primarily in Columbus. He was drafted September 21, 1951, and served as a corporal with the 25th Infantry Division, 14th Infantry Regular Company L, and awarded the C.I.B. Following his discharge on September 22, 1953, George enrolled in Meredith Business College and Bliss College in Columbus, on the G.I. Bill. In 1969, the family relocated to Zanesville where he began a successful 26 year career as an agent with Nationwide Insurance. Following his retirement from Nationwide in 1995, George along with his son, Jay, sold real estate operating out of their office at 1604 Maple Avenue, with Home Opportunities Real Estate and then, Lepi Real Estate, retiring at the age of 80. George was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed following the family in all their sporting and social events. He spent many a summers vacationing and traveling with Barbara in their motor home. Following his retirement, George received great comfort from being able to care for his beloved Barbara. George is survived by four children: Linda (Mike) Haren, Jay (Lori) Phillis & Kellie Cummins all of Zanesville, & Doug Phillis of Cincinnati; nine grandchildren: Scott (Sara) Haren, Stephen (Keisha) Haren, Lacy (Ian) Robinson, Laura (Shane) Wolfe, Kaleigh, Clayton & Kelsey Cummins, Jacob Phillis & Megan Phillis all of Zanesville; eight great grandchildren: Leeann, J.T., Michael, Anna, Ella, Wynn, Rio & Cash; and a sister: Joylyn Dodson of Corning. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 59 years: Barbara Phillis, who died March 8, 2014; one son-in-law: Michael Cummins; and infant brother and sister: Raymond & Rita Jean Phillis, and his mother & father-in-law: Bill & May Kelly. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, September 29, 2017, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, with the Rosary at 7:45 PM. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2017, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 145 North Fifth Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Jan C.P. Sullivan as Celebrant. George will be laid to rest next to his beloved Barbara in Mount Olive Cemetery, with the United States Army, VFW Post 1058 and American Legion Post 29 conducting Full Military Honors. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com.