Philip H. McDonnell, Jr.'s Obituary
Philip H. McDonnell, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on July 9, 1948 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Philip spent his early years in Little Rock and West Helena, Arkansas and then moved to Memphis, Tennessee as a teenager. He graduated from Overton High School and then enlisted in the United States Navy. After his service, he returned to Memphis where he lived until his death.
Philip was a graduate of Memphis State University and a lifelong Tigers fan. He was an avid supporter of all Tigers athletics, especially basketball, football, and soccer. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served in Europe and on the USS Strong in the Mediterranean Sea. He also enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams.
Philip is survived by his son Philip H. McDonnell, III (Julianne) of Memphis, Tennessee, his daughter Jessica Ann McDonnell St. Clair (Jared) of Sevierville, Tennessee; his six grandchildren, Olivia, Audrey, Matthew, George, Madelyn, and Britton; his siblings Pat Davis (Mike) of Edmund, Oklahoma, and Jim McDonnell of Albany, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip H. McDonnell, Sr. and Juanita Ruth McDonnell.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with a private burial at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the VA Hospital and Catholic Charities in Philip’s memory.
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