Elroy Arthur Phillips, Jr., age 77, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on August 19, 2026, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. A devoted family man, tireless worker, and proud Packers fan, Elroy built his life around love, loyalty, and service to those closest to him.

Elroy was born on December 1, 1948, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Known lovingly as “Jr.” by his family and as Elroy by most of his friends, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His life was defined by hard work, steadfast love, and an unwavering commitment to providing for his family.

Elroy moved his family to Ocala, Florida, in 1976. His career later took him and Nancy to Hagerstown, Maryland, where he continued his many years of dedicated service with Good Humor before retiring in 2012. After retirement, Elroy and Nancy returned to Ocala to be close to their children and grandchildren. Retirement, however, never truly meant slowing down. He went on to work alongside his son-in-law in the HVAC business and, most recently, worked with Nancy at Outlaw Snax. He believed in the value of an honest day’s work and remained hardworking and dependable throughout his life.

Elroy and Nancy shared 58 years of marriage and built a beautiful life centered around family. Together, they raised four children and were blessed with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Nothing was more important to Elroy than the people he loved. His family could always count on his strength, loyalty, and willingness to do whatever was needed for them. A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, Elroy remained proud of his Wisconsin roots. He also loved cars, fishing, racing, working, and spending time with his family. For many years, Elroy and Nancy returned to Green Bay to visit the relatives and friends who remained such an important part of their lives.

Elroy will be remembered as a strong, hardworking man whose love was often expressed through the things he did for others. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, perseverance, and family that will continue through the generations who were fortunate enough to call him husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He is lovingly remembered by the family who knew his steady presence, quiet strength, and generous heart best.

Elroy is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy Phillips; his four children, Teri and Tom Taylor, Angela Mitchell and Gary Erickson, Chuck Phillips and Terri Stine, and Jackie Garrett; and his nine grandchildren, Alexis Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Evan Mitchell, Austin Mitchell, Santana and Jeremy Avner, Savannah Garrett and Adam Boomhower, Zachary Pinneo, Christopher Arney, and Shyanne Gravely. He is also survived by his five cherished great-grandchildren, Cullen, Sadie, Shiloh, Myles, and Eliana; his siblings, Sherry (Ken) Piontek, Victoria Williame, Donald (Sue) Phillips, Patrick (Denise) Phillips, and Rebecca (Mike) Wiegman; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, coworkers, and friends.

Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and Elroy Phillips; his parents-in- law, Sheldon and Gladys Dalton; his brothers-in-law, Robert Dalton and James Dalton; and his sister-in-law, Marion Cummins; and his nephew, Mark Dallaire. Family and friends are invited to honor Elroy’s life and faith at the funeral service.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 12:30, with Father Patrick “Fr. Pat” Sheedy officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11:30. The service will be livestreamed by Blessed Trinity at blessedtrinity.org; please note that the livestream will not be available for future viewing.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ocala Funeral and Cremation Care. Elroy’s family takes comfort in knowing that his work on earth is complete, his suffering has ended, and he has been welcomed into the loving arms of God. Although he will be deeply missed, the life he built and the love he gave will remain with them forever.