Edward Harrington Phillips was born on May 29, 1941 in Calhoun County, Alabama to the parentage of Jeffery Phillips, Jr. and Ida Mae Turner Phillips. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Seventeenth Street Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from Cobb Avenue High School in 1959. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for twenty-one years. While serving in the military, he furthered his education by completing an Associate of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland. He continued his education , completing his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree at Troy University. During his military career, his dedication and performance earned him the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a highly decorated soldier and earned several service medals to include: The Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. In 1965, he won the 7th Infantry Division Light Welter-Weight Champion. After retiring, he was employed as a Recruiter for the U.S. Army. He later became a certified instructor at the Calhoun County Jail.

In 1968, Edward was united in holy matrimony to Ellen Ferrell. This union was blessed with two children, Lolitha and Celeni.

He was preced in death by: his wife, Ellen; his beautiful daughter, Celeni, his parents; his brother, Jeffery Phillips, III and two sisters, Earlene Warren and Tina Lopez. Hel eaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Lolitha D. Phillips of Anniston, Alabama; one son, Edwardo Phillips of Many, Louisiana; two sisters, Ollie Jo Forbes of Anniston and Jimmie Bernstein of Long Beach, California; one sister-in-law, Ella Sue (Thaddeus) Johnson of Anniston, Alabama; and a host of other relatives and friends.