Allen “Larry” Phillips, 73, of Clearwater, Florida passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
At his request, no formal services were held. There was a private family viewing and rememberance September 26 at Best Care Cremation in Clearwater. Attended by his wife, Wanda; son, Larry; and daughter-in-law, Paola, to remember him and celebrate his life.
Allen was born June 15, 1948 in Lake County, Illinois to Clarence and Irene Phillips. He grew up in Keyport, New Jersey. After high school he joined the US Navy in 1967, beginning a 20 year career in the Armed Forces. After spending 4 years in the Navy, Allen eventually enlisted in the US Army, spending 16 years reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class and working as an Army recruitor.
He met his future wife, Wanda in August 1985, and their son Larry was born 3 years later. After leaving the service he retired in Florida in 1991 eventually settling in Clearwater.
Allen loved spending time with his son, coaching him throughout his youth in soccer, baseball and basketball. His family was the most important thing in his life. Traveling with his wife Wanda was something he really enjoyed until the end; San Francisco, Las Vegas, and the Bahamas were some of his favorite places to visit.
An avid sports fan he loved the Rays and regularly attended games with Wanda, and was a big collector of Rays memorabilia. His love for baseball was lifelong, playing from his youth into his 70’s with the 3score softball club.
Allen was a very active person who regularly jogged and exercised and loved to spend time outdoors. He was the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved meeting new people.
His surviving family; Wanda, Larry, Paola, and his 2 dogs Macy & Chloe all will miss him greatly and remember the kind loving man that he was and will always be.
He will be interred at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Its not goodbye but see you later, until then you will live on in our hearts and memories.
I always enjoyed playing with you at 3 Score softball. We all miss you.
You were a good and loving brother. Sadly small misunderstandings and poor communications separated us for too many years. You were always loved and missed by your sister and brothers. Leslie