ROCHESTER – Ernest A. “Big E” Phillips, Jr., of Rochester, died Aug. 31, 2013. He was born Oct. 17, 1922, in Lafollette, Tenn., to Ernest Albert Sr. and Grace Garvey Phillips. On Dec. 23, 1956, in Mendham, N.J., he married Frances L. Bornschlegal, who survives. In May 1940, he graduated from Bluefield High School in West Virginia. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. He flew more than 50 missions as a waist gunner in a B-24 Liberator. Also surviving are four sons: Craig (and spouse Teresa) Phillips, Mumbai, India; Timothy P. (and spouse Maria) Phillips, Durham, N.C.; David B. (and spouse Teresa) Phillips, Brawley, Calif.; and John A. (and spouse Deborah) Phillips, Rochester; a sister, Carolyn Finkelhoffe, New Market, Va.; a brother, John R. (and spouse Susan) Phillips, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with his sons, ministers John Phillips and Craig Phillips, officiating. Burial will be in Citizen’s Cemetery, Rochester. Calling will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and an hour prior to services Monday. **** Condolences may be sent via www.goodfamilyfh.com
