Michael Keith Phillips Sr, 70 went home to be with his Lord & Savior on September 18, 2026.He was born in Salisbury, Maryland on January 15, 1956. Michael graduated from Sussex Central High School and continued his education at Tomlinson College in Cleveland, Tennessee and the Bible Training Institute.

Michael was a man who served not only with words, but also with his hands. For more than 30 years, Michael built houses with pride and care- homes that were made to stand long after he was gone.

For 50 years, Michael shared his life with his beloved wife, Tina. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of love, commitment, faithfulness, and devotion. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Through five decades of marriage, Tina was his partner, his companion, and the love of his life.

While Michael was a pastor to many, his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving father to Michael Phillips, Jr and his wife, Ashley; David Phillips and his wife, April; and Bethany Copeland and her husband, Jason. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Nate Phillips, Hope Phillips, Derek Copeland, Abby Phillips, Trey Copeland, Brielle Phillips, Brady Copeland, Maddy Phillips and Izzy Phillips. His grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life and the love he had for each of them will continue through the memories they carry in their hearts.

He is also survived by members of his extended family who are dear to his heart, including his brothers, Kenny Phillips and his wife Shirley; Milton Phillips and his wife Rosalind; and Tom Phillips, His sisters-in-law, Lisa Palmer and her husband Glenn, and Angela Mitchell and her husband Ron; and his brother-in-law Ray Jones and sister-in-law Mindy Phillips; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, who he loved dearly.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Phillips; his mother Catherine Phillips Lane; and his beloved granddaughter Gracie Phillips.

His church family at the Delmar Church of God of Prophecy, held a particularly special place in his heart. They were more than a congregation; they were family. The bonds he formed over 45 years of ministry were precious to him, and he considered it a blessing to walk alongside them through both joyful and difficult seasons of life.

Michael was a devoted fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles. He took great pride in coaching his sons in baseball and later coaching his grandchildren from the sidelines. One of his proudest accomplishments was coaching his church softball team to a World Series championship in 2005- a story he loved to tell anyone who would listen. He also loved the game of golf. where he found enjoyment and time to unwind. He made many friends, especially the ones at Hooper’s Landing golf course in Seaford. Beyond sports and golf, Michael treasured family vacations to Myrtle Beach, where he enjoyed making memories and spending quality time with his loved ones.

To know Michael was to know someone who genuinely cared about people. He had a heart for helping others and a willingness to give of his time, talents, and strength. He understood that ministry was about more than standing behind a pulpit, but about being present, praying for someone in need, and loving people where they were.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Allen Cancer Center, the nurses and staff on the Neuroscience Floor at Tidal Health, and Compassionate Care for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care they provided to Michael and his family.

His hands-built homes.

His heart-built relationships.

His life built a legacy of faith.

And the love he gave will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”- Psalm 116:15A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Delmar Church of God of Prophecy, Route 13 & Dorothy Road, Delmar, where a service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Melsons Cemetery in Delmar.

Flowers are always welcome or donations may in Michael's memory to the Delmar Church of God of Prophecy, 16222 Arvey Road, Laurel, DE 19956.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.