Joseph Michael "Michael Joe" Phillips, 54, of Ludowici, Ga. passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 under the care of Georgia Hospice Care. The Long County life resident recently gave his life to Jesus Christ. His children were the apples of his eye. The former Long County Commissioner was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and animal lover. His father, Joe Phillips preceded him in death.

Survivors are his children, Amelia Phillips and M.J. Phillips; mother, Doyce F. Phillips of Ludowici; sisters, Kathy Phillips, Joy (Dale) Strickland and Lisa Wolfe, all of Ludowici; nieces and nephews, Jason and Brian Leonard, Ricky Strickland, Nikki Griffis, Erica Anderson and Maklay Martin; several great nieces and nephews; a life time friend, Barbara Sawyer.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, January 30, 2026 at Rinehart Chapel with Rev. Phil Bunce officiating.  Private family burial will follow in the Baggs Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be George Stafford, Bobby Fore, Bobby Hale, Chris Preble, Jason Leonard, Brian Leonard, and Ricky Strickland.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the funeral home.

The family would like to show their appreciation to the Hospice of South Georgia Inpatient Unit nurses and staff and Georgia Hospice Care nurses.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.