EMBREEVILLE - Vernon Jackson Phillips, age 73, of the Embreeville community went home to be with his Lord on December 29, 2020. Jackson was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Faye Phillips. He was a graduate of Lamar High School and East Tennessee State University. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force in crypto maintenance. He was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Jackson spoke fondly of the friendships developed in his years at Texas Instruments, Inc. in Johnson City and Plus Mark in Greeneville. Jackson loved time outdoors with his family and friends, fishing and enjoying Godâs creation. Some of his favorite memories were family vacations to many of Americaâs national parks. He was a dedicated family man and was a faithful partner to his high school sweetheart, Sheila Beals, for more than 53 years. His children and grandchildren were the pride of his life and he cherished every moment spent with them. Above all, Jackson was a true man of God. He was a servant leader and involved in many ministries within the church. His passion was teaching the Word of God and his final Sunday school lesson notes spoke of the wonders of Heaven and his desire to be there. âFor to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain⦠I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.â Just as Paul in Philippians Chapter 1, Jackson looked forward to meeting his Savior.