Royce John Phillips, 94, of Newberry, FL, passed peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023 in Gainesville, FL. He was born in Heflin, AL to Thomas Gideon and Mattie Lou (Epperson) Phillips. He and his family moved from Largo, FL to Newberry where he began farming. He was an active member of Union Baptist Church.He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and five sisters. Survived by his wife, Helen, of 72 years; three children: Curtis (Paula) Phillips and Peggy (Tim) Latner, ofNewberry, FL, and Brenda (Garry) Kirby of High Springs, FL; 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Union Baptist Church, 6259 SE 75 th Avenue, Newberry, FL, with Pastor Travis Moody officiating.In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Union Baptist Church Building Fund. Cemetery Forest Meadows Cemetery (West) 700 NW 143rd Street Newberry FL 32669 US 352-376-9552 Visitation Saturday, November 11, 2023 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Union Baptist Church 6259 S.E. 75th Avenue Newberry FL US Funeral Service Saturday, November 11, 2023 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Union Baptist Church 6259 S.E. 75th Avenue Newberry FL US Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528