McCrory A. “Mac” Phillips, of Springfield, MO, passed gently from this world to the next on August 19, 2025. He was born in Bolivar, MO, on February 23, 1936 to James Edgar Phillips and Verbal McCrory Phillips.

Mac had endless stories and loved to hear yours. He never met a stranger and was more skilled at uncovering the six degrees of separation than anyone we’ve ever known. He even made connections with the care center intake nurse while his dementia was stealing his memories.

He had so very many friends because he was such a good one.

We will hold a celebration of his faithful, laughter-filled, loving life on Saturday, September 27^th at 11 AM at his home church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1551 E Portland, Springfield, MO. A visitation will begin at 9:30. The Rev. Micki Pulleyking, PhD, will officiate.

Mac graduated from Fair Play, MO High School in 1954 and Southwest Missouri State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and a minor in Military Science in 1958. He served in the US Army and Army Reserves from 1955 until 1969. He ended his service as a First Lieutenant. He refereed high school and college basketball. Mac met Mary Jones on a blind date and they married on September 2, 1961.

Mac’s life has demonstrated service professionally, communally, and faithfully. Mac worked forty years for the Greene County Public Health Department in the dairy division keeping our food supply clean and safe. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Sertoma Clubs. He volunteered as a baseball, basketball, soccer and softball coach with the Park District and the YMCA and YWCA. He volunteered for many years with Crosslines Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Well of Life Pantry, and the Wonders of Wildlife Museum. Through his involvement at church, he served on many committees and as a Deacon, an Elder, and a Commission to John Calvin Presbytery. Mac and Mary taught Sunday School when their kids were little. He was one who noticed a task needing done and would do it.

Mac is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary, his daughter, Susan (Simon Levin), his son, Alan (Laura), and grandkids: Autumn Phillips, Livya Phillips-Levin, and Ruby Phillips-Levin, and dear extended opinionated family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Alta Gordon, and his brother, James. He loved us all so well! We are so deeply grateful for him.

Memorial gifts can be made to:

Westminster Presbyterian Church,1551 E Portland, Springfield, MO 65804 for congregational fellowship or hunger relief ministries.

In memory of Mac, we have a request:

Reach out. Send a note. Make a call. Volunteer. Stop by. Ask for a story. Share one of yours. Be generous. Laugh with joy.