Philip "Phil" Francis Eley

Philip Francis “Phil” Eley, of White Plains, GA, passed away Friday, April 7, 2023, working the land on his beloved family farm.  Born June 22, 1951, Phil was one of four sons born to the late John William “J Buck” and Dorothy Mae Thurmond Eley.  He graduated from Greene County High School and attended North Georgia Technical College in Clarksville, GA.  Shortly thereafter, Phil served his country for six years as a Gunner in the National Guard out of Sparta. On April 3, 1981, he married the former Janice “Jan” Holcomb, and they recently celebrated their forty-second wedding anniversary.  In his younger years, Phil was an avid hunter and fisherman, but his later years were mostly spent farming and planning “adventures” with his adoring grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Ole Phil.”  He had a great memory and loved to tell stories of things that happened long ago.  Phil was a farmer, dairyman, and lifelong member of White Plains Baptist Church. There was no better husband, father, grandfather or friend, and he will truly be missed by his family and community.

In addition to his wife, Jan Holcomb Eley of White Plains, GA, survivors include his daughters, Kelly Eley Wall (Russell) of Greensboro, GA, and Jessye Eley Pena (Thomas) of Rincon, GA; son, Matthew Eley (Nora Lee) of Grovetown, GA; grandchildren, Hallie Wall, Elijah Wall, Wilkes Wall, Benjamin Pena, and Emma Grace Pena; brother, Keith Eley (Cheryl) of White Plains, GA; a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Larry Eley, Sr., and Jamie Eley.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at White Plains Baptist Church, 1020 Main Street East, White Plains, GA 30678 with Russell Wall officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers are Jamie Rhodes, Adam Taylor, Luke Askew, Jeff Eley, Mitchel Eley and Bill Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Taylor, Allen Askew, Ike Moore, Andy Moore, Keith Eley, and Billy Matthews.  The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.  The family requests that any memorials be made in memory of Phil to the White Plains Baptist Church, P. O. Box 38, White Plains, GA 30678 or Nathanael Greene Academy, P. O. Box 109, Siloam, GA 30665.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us online at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the guest register.

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