Thomas Lyle Phillips, 67, transitioned to his next stage on December 23 at Hamilton Medical Center, following a courageous battle with cancer.
The Dalton native, son of the late W. Maurice Phillips, Sr. and Marie Gentry Phillips, was born on June 23, 1955, and spent his life entertaining the folks of Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee as a broadcaster on radio and television stations throughout the region.
He was recognized nationally for his work in the industry as a two-time Emmy winner from Billboard magazine for Excellence in Broadcasting.  He was also awarded by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for the best small market morning show.
Tom's latest venture was "Sunday Morning with Chattanooga Tom", a radio program and podcast produced by his brother and co-radio professional, Rich Phillips.  This production featured country and bluegrass gospel music "where the message is in the music."  He took great pride in the opening prayer of each broadcast, and they will be forever accessible via http://Chattanoogatom.com ( http://Chattanoogatom.com ).
Tom was a Shriner, a Mason, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Odd-fellows.  He was also a member of Dalton First United Methodist Church.
In addition to his brother and sister-in-law, Rich and Beth Phillips, Tom is survived by his two daughters, Meleia (Steven) Bridenstine and Sanna (Jason) Bair; grandchildren, Libby Bridenstine, Cole Bridenstine, Kaylee Owen, Ella Gilbreath, and Jason's children and grandchild; the mother of his daughters and her husband, Debra and Xavier Castro; dear friend, Anne Walker; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, W. Maurice Phillips, Jr.
A service to celebrate the life of Tom Phillips will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 5, at Dalton First United Methodist Church, 500 S. Thornton Avenue.  The family will accept visitors in the church atrium from 12:00 noon until the time of the funeral at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dalton Serenity Club/513 Benjamin Way, Suite 310/Dalton, GA 30721 or Shriners Children's Hospital/c/o Dalton Shrine Club/P. O. Box 1571/Dalton, GA 30722.