Gerald Calhoun (Jerry) Phillips passed away peacefully at his home in Denver at age 84.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Lynnette Neely Phillips; his parents, Ary Caldwell and Bess Shepherd Phillips; his brother, Alton Phillips of Jackson; and his brother, Ary Phillips of Cripple Creek, Colo.

He is survived by his wife of 4 1/2 years, Paula Moon; his children, Tara Phillips Pavlakovich (Nick) of Denver, Trent Caldwell Phillips of Biloxi, Paige Phillips St. Thomas of Charlotte, N.C., Courtney Phillips Partridge (Dave) of Scottsdale, Ariz. He is also survived by his grandchildren, David (Mattie), Anna, Michael and Nicholas Pavlakovich of Denver, Alex and Sarah St. Thomas of Charlotte, and Mackenzie and Tatum Partridge of Scottsdale. Lastly, he is survived by his first great-grandchild, Mae Patricia Pavlakovich, who pleased him greatly.

Gerald was born in Vicksburg and attended Carr Central High School and the University of Mississippi. He served eight years in the 31st Infantry Division of the Army National Guard.

Gerald founded and was chairman of the board of Phillips Colleges, Inc. headquartered in Gulfport. PCI became the largest chain of proprietary schools in the country.

Gerald retired to Colorado in 2009, where he enjoyed his precious mountain views for 15 years.

God and family were the center of Gerald’s life. He was an exceptionally faith-filled, devoted, loving father and husband and the “Rock” of the family.

He will be honored in a graveside ceremony in Vicksburg, at noon Saturday, May 11, at Cedar Hill Cemetery.