Major Bradford S. Phillips

A Life of Faith, Service, and Love ~ In Loving Memory of Chaplain, Major Bradford S. Phillips (Ret.) USAF ~ June 28, 1962 – July 22, 2026 ~ Born on June 28, 1962 in Wake County, NC and raised in Elizabethtown or “the country” as he’d say, Brad enjoyed farm life and his pony along with all the crazy things that boys get into in the woods! When it came to high school, he excelled in his classes and enjoyed playing football. Brad answered God's call into pastoral ministry and was ordained in the Southern Baptist Convention in 1997. He served faithfully in church ministry, including as Senior Pastor of Hampton Roads Baptist Church. Brad faithfully served his country for more than 27 years in the United States Air Force, including 8 years as a Medical Service Specialist and over 14 years on active duty as a military chaplain, faithfully ministering God’s Word to America's sons and daughters around the world. He deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other overseas missions, faithfully bringing hope, encouragement, and the presence of Christ into some of life's most difficult circumstances. His favorite verses were: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” He encouraged young Airmen who were far from home and uncertain about the future. He also became a trusted advisor to commanders, helping them care for the men and women entrusted to their leadership. Throughout his military career, he served with distinction, earning numerous honors, including being named the 2005 Air Education and Training Command Company Grade Officer Chaplain of the Year. Outside of ministry, Brad simply enjoyed being with people. He loved telling stories and making others laugh. He could turn an ordinary conversation into one worth remembering. He enjoyed a good movie, loved cheering for the Green Bay Packers, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Atlanta Falcons, and treasured every opportunity to travel with his wife, Susan. Brad was preceded in death by his mother, Alena Jane Jordan Craft, his previous wife, Cynthia, and his brother, Timothy Phillips. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Phillips; his father, Dan Cihak (Carol); his step-daughter, Ashli Bryant (David Criss); step-grandchildren, Nova, and River; his brother, Mark Phillips (Faye); his sisters, Felicia Spencer (Tim), Jennifer Bowers (Scott), and Cindy Cihak Fields; his nephew, TJ Phillips; and many extended family members, dear friends, fellow service members, and church families. Though our hearts grieve his passing, we rejoice knowing that the faith Brad shared with so many has now become sight. The servant who spent his life pointing others to Christ has now entered the presence of the Savior he loved and faithfully served. Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home. On Wednesday, 8/5/26, at 11:00 am, there will be a short ceremonial service, including military honors and flag presentation, at Georgia National Cemetery, where Brad will be buried. Following, family and friends will gather at 2:00 pm for a memorial service at Shadowbrook Church, 4187 Suwanee Dam Road, Suwanee, GA in order to celebrate Brad’s life. Reception immediately following the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations to be made in his honor to: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/education-2/operation-heal-our-patriots/

Major Bradford S. Phillips

June 28, 1962 - July 22, 2026