Zavell Phillips, the thirteenth child of the late Abraham and Thelma Phillips, was born in Leesburg, Georgia on August 11, 1943.

He received his formal education in the Lee County School System and was actively involved in various school activities and functions.

Zavell was deeply rooted in the soil.  From a youth, he developed an unquenchable passion for farming that endured throughout his lifetime.  Whether tilling the soil, cultivating or harvesting crops, or caring for the livestock, he looked upon each task with equal importance and gave each of them his ALL while employed at Tye Slappey Farms.  He firmly believed that "you get out of the land what you put into it."

When Zavell wasn't working, he could be found riding his bicycle on Slappey Boulevard  and other parts of town, or spending time with family and friends. He was a down-to-earth, humble man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; had a special way of getting to know people and becoming a part of their lives; and he enjoyed sharing stories and engaging people in hours of endless conversation.  To know him was truly to love him—he laughed often, loved conditionally, and felt unbridled happiness.  Zavell loved life and his vibrancy brought life to everything and everyone around him.  If he could make you laugh or make your day a little better, he felt that his mission in life had been accomplished.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

On May 8, 2021, Zavell was called home to eternal rest and peace.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Betty Ann Phillips; and eleven siblings.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Doris Odoms, Carolyn (Silas) Jackson, and Mabel (Alkin) Smith of Albany, GA, and Ruthann Wellborn, Buerena (Wayne) Huntly, Michael Phillips, and L. C. Phillips of Leesburg, GA; a very special great niece, Angela Cutts; two brothers, James Phillips of Pompano Beach, FL and Will C. Phillips; 31 grandchildren; innumerable great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.