Issuu

Life’s Reflections

ClaudeOliver Phillips was born on February 29, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Freeman Phillips and Modena Thomas Phillips. As a child, he was reared in the church and christened at Harris Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He belonged to a loving family that included “MaMa” and “Papa,” the late Lee Thomas Sr. and Clara Belle Shepherd, who instilled in him strong Christian values that he later passed on to his own children. Claude graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the Class of 1961.

As a youth and middle-aged man, Claude had that special je ne sais quoi, a natural charm and presence that drew people to him wherever he went. Always full of laughter and life, he was one of the most entertaining members of the Thomas family. During his teenage years, he worked at St. Peter’s Manor, but it didn’t take long for him to decide he wanted to be his own boss, an independent spirit that defined much of his life.

In 1978, while living in New York City, Claude picked up another nickname that would follow him for years: “Rico.” The story was recently told of how the name came about. He became “Rico” when he was in New York having a lighthearted conversation with a “Puerto Rican chic,” as he would say, who thought the name suited his smooth, confident personality. “Rico” captured his charm and flair perfectly.

Claude loved to travel and explore new places. Over the years, he lived in Nevada, Minnesota, New York, California, and other parts of the country. He was always on the road in pursuit of his next adventure. His journey through life allowed him to meet diverse people, form lasting friendships, and collect stories that he shared with humor and pride.

In 1983, Claude returned home to Memphis, Tennessee, to start a family. That same year, he purchased his mother a home on Skippy Street, and later made Twinkle Town Cove his own home, where countless family gatherings and holiday celebrations took place at both. Those moments became cherished traditions, filled with joy, laughter, and love. During his renaissance in Memphis, Claude was the owner of many businesses to include Bam Bam Productions; Bam Bam is the name of his beloved son who was born in the year of 1983 as well.

Claude sailed through life on a sea of calm, not worrying about anything unpleasant. He had a spirit like David. He was strong yet tenderhearted, faithful yet free-spirited, creative, courageous, and deeply human—a man after God’s heart.

As he grew older, Claude pursued acting. A natural entertainer, he became a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and appeared in several notable film projects. His cameo acting roles included appearances in Hustle & Flow and Forty Shades of Blue (2005), Black Snake Moan (2006), $5 Cover (2009), Footloose (2011), Free in Deed (2015), and Dolemite (2019). The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) described him as “the picture-perfect image of past-time and modern-day success. Born and raised in the south side section of Memphis, TN, Claude grew up in a rough community where privileges for young Black men were very limited. In spite of this, he was able to rise above the statistics of his time and expand upon higher grounds amidst an ever-growing culture.”

Claude will be remembered for his charisma, humor, creativity, and unwavering love for his family. He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Darlene Phillips White of Memphis, TN, one daughter, Tara Bailey; and five sons: Norris Claude Rickett, Claude Trevell Phillips, Darran Oliver Phillips (of San Diego, CA), Derry Andre Phillips (of Houston, TX), and Duane Austin Phillips; along with a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored him.

Claude lived life on his own terms with courage, laughter, and faith. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his light continues to shine brightly in the lives of those who love him.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23

Order of Celebration

Saturday, November 1, 2025 1:00 P.M.

Harris Memorial C.M.E. Church

1572 S. Lauderdale Street • Memphis, Tennessee 38106

Rev. Doris Lewis, Officiating

Rev. Dr. Amelia Johnson, Eulogist

Prelude............................................................................................................Rev. Ronald Claxton

Pastor of Morning View Baptist Church

The Processional.......................................................................The Family of Mr. Claude Phillips

Hymn.........................................................................................................Mrs. Janeth McChriston “Sweet Holy Spirit”

The Scripture Readings & Prayer.......................................................Rev. Clemmie Livingston, Jr.

Pastor, New Zion Field M.B. Church

Words of Comfort..................................................................................................Rev. Doris Lewis

Pastor of Harris Memorial C.M.E. Church

Musical Selection....................................................................................................Rev. Roy Odom “Total Praise” Oak Grove M.B. Church

Reflections

(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please) Family & Friends

Acknowledgements & Reflections

Musical Selection......................................................................................................Beverly White “Change Is Gonna Come”

Eulogy.......................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Amelia Johnson

Recessional

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family would like to extend our most sincere gratitude for the love and well-wishes you have shared with us. Your comforting words, acts of kindness, phone calls, text messages, and loving hugs have sustained us through our father’s transition. Please continue to pray for us as we navigate life without our beloved. We would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice of Houston, TX, and Heart N Soul Hospice of Memphis, TN.

~The Family