Russell "Bo" Phillips, age 74, of Harlan, Kentucky, departed from this life and into the arms of our Savior while surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 8, 2025. Bo was born to Hurla and Mary Phillips in Middlesboro, KY on September 6, 1950. He lived most of his life between Harlan County, KY and Seymour, IN. Bo was of the Baptist faith and firm believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bo was a hard worker throughout his life. He served in the Fifth Infantry Division, serving two tours in Vietnam, and was awarded many medals and awards including a Silver Star with a National Defense Service Medal, a Silver Star with a Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge. He also worked as a truck driver, driving 18-wheelers and coal trucks until his retirement.

Bo enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, specifically fishing, shooting guns, and being outdoors. He was always seen with a tool in his hand and was ready to go on a trip at any time, especially to Alabama. He was also a very patriotic man, winning a local award for his patriotism. He was a most excellent cook and loved to bless his family with a table full of delicious food.

On February 13, 2004, Bo married Susan Bianchi, who was the love of his life. They shared many years of love and laughter together, enjoying daily breakfast dates to the Huddle House and spending many evenings on their boat fishing, delighting in each other's company.

Bo is preceded in death by his parents, Hurla and Mary Phillips; his brother and only sibling, Lonnie Phillips; and his grandparents, Ollie Asher Phillips and Henry Phillips.

Bo is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 21 years, Susan Bianchi Phillips; his children: Russell II (Ruth) Phillips of Georgia, Autumbreeze Phillips (Michael) of Indiana, Mark (Ashley) Duff of Harlan, and Debbie Duff of Harlan. He was a very loving grandfather, "Pap," to Courtney (Cameron) McAllister, Ziah Phillips of Louisville, and Beckett Phillips of Indiana, as well as Tiffany Noe, Ashley (Aaron) Caldwell, Mark Evan Duff, Jake Duff, Rileigh Duff, Addisyn Hickson, Jaxton Miller, all of Harlan, and Ethan (Jaelyn) Miller of Pippa Passes. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Stryker and Myles McAllister of Indiana, Jackson, Chloe, and Rush Luttrell, Raider and Anniston Caldwell, and Lorelei Duff, all of Harlan. Bo had a special and loving relationship with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed every second of his time with them. He also had a special niece, Cindy, that will mourn his passing, along with a host of extended family and friends.

The family of Bo would like to extend a special thank you to those of Bluegrass Care Navigators for their loving and gentle care of him during his final days.

Bo's services will be held at the Bianchi Harlan Funeral Home on Monday, August 11, 2025. Visitation hours will be from 3:00 to 5:30 with the funeral beginning at 5:30. Military rights, presented by the Harlan Honor Guard, will take place immediately following the funeral. Bo will be laid to rest with family at the Harlan County Memorial Gardens on Lay Hill in Tremont, KY.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Russell 'Bo' Phillips.