Max R. (Chipper) Phillips, Jr. of Prescott, formerly of Hot Springs and Malvern, Arkansas, passed away on June 7, 2014 while traveling in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was born January 29, 1951 to Max R. (Chip) and Martha Lou Holloway Phillips in Malvern, Arkansas. He graduated from Malvern High School in 1969 and married his high school sweetheart, Louise Spence, on May 28, 1970. Max completed his BSE degree from Henderson State University in 1977. A respected and admired educator, Max taught Art and was a football and track coach for the Prescott, Camden and Fairview High Schools and finished his teaching career at Hot Springs Lakeside High School. As an artist, Max enjoyed drawing, painting and pottery. Many of his award winning works were displayed at the Malvern National Bank, the Magnolia Blossom Festival, Hot Springs County Library and the Nevada County Depot and Museum. He was commissioned by United States Representative Marion Berry to create a mural of horse racing for the "A Taste of the South" exhibit in Washington, D.C. Max fondly remembered his days in Malvern Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and proudly held the home run record for many years. He took pride in being a member of the Malvern Leopard football team. As an adult he enjoyed playing softball and was inducted into the Southwest Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in 2009. Max was a member of the Malvern 10 Acre Hunting Club. He was critically injured at his deer camp in 2011. By fierce determination, intense physical therapy and the support of his family, friends and loving community, he returned to his favorite pastime a year later. Max served as a former member of Prescott School Board and Prescott City Council, and was presently serving as Chair of Finance for the First United Methodist Church of Prescott. During his presidency of the Nevada County Depot and Museum board, he was a driving force in the Sesquicentennial Reenactment of the Battle of Prairie D'Ane, promoting the history of Civil War activity in what is now Nevada County. Max is survived by his wife Louise; his two sons, Bryce (Cayla) of Hot Springs and Blake (Katharine) of New York City; his brother, Michael (Nan) Phillips of Russellville and two sisters, Becky Phillips of Jonesboro and Phyllis (David) Ray of Malvern; three uncles, CM (Anna Lou) Phillips, Raymond Digby and Raymond Paul Holloway; an aunt, Jeanette Phillips and a number of other friends and relatives. A celebration of Max's life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.