Phillip

Head

Mr. Phillip Head was born on a Tuesday, July 29, 1924, to Pauline and Raymond Head Sr., six years after the end of the Great War (World War I) and five years before the start of the Great Depression. He was the youngest of three boys. There was Raymond Jr., Otis and then Phillip. Raymond, Sr. had just purchased a clothes cleaning business about three years earlier, Cleanwell Pressing Club. What was a Pressing Club? For a small monthly or yearly fee, members of pressing clubs could have their good clothes cleaned, pressed and repaired regularly, insuring a well-groomed appearance. This was extremely important for Blacks living in a place and time in which most men owned only one suit . Pressing Clubs were the forerunners of modern subscription services. Pauline, his mother, managed the household and raised the boys. It was a typical Black household on 4th Street in Griffin, GA. Young Phillip played, rode a bicycle and loved his cats and dogs. As he grew older, he played tennis and other sports while in school and graduated from Vocational High School.

Like his brothers, he then enrolled in Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University. At the time Phillip Head entered Tuskegee, the college was changing. Then President Dr. Frederick Patterson established the school of veterinary science which has gone on to graduate 75% of America's Black veterinarians. On campus, his brothers were known for being great athletes. Both Otis and Raymond played football. Raymond also ran track. Phillip decided to try out for the football team. The story goes that one practice was all that was needed to convince Phillip that college football was not for him. While he, as well as other young black men and women, were being educated in Tuskegee, the world was going through an extremely unstable period. World War II was escalating. In 1943, Phillip, along with his best friend from Griffin, Charles Releford , were drafted into the United States Navy. He was shipped off to Illinois for Recruit Training (commonly known as Boot Camp). There he met other Black Seaman who would be friends for life. One of them, Dr. Clyde Hall Ph.D., became president of Savannah State University. His best friend, Charles, went on to finish Morehouse College and Meharry Medical School. Dr. Charles Releford , M.D. was not only his "BFF" but his family doctor as well.

Once he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he went to work in the family businesses. By then, his father had established a pool hall and a beer tavern in addition to the dry-cleaning business. Soon, Phillip, with the help of Papa Raymond, established Triple H Sandwich Shop on E. Slaton Avenue, the "Alley" between Hill Street and 8th Street, in what was the "Black Business District" of Griffin. For the next 35 years, Mr. Head could be found behind the counter serving some of the best burgers and fried chicken in Spalding County. In fact, some believe that the chili burger recipe that the Varsity uses today may have been inspired by Phillip Head's chili cheeseburgers. Additionally, nearly everyone knew that Mr. Head would also feed the hungry and hire those who, otherwise, might not be able to get a job. He was always giving back in numerous ways.

While his brothers, Otis and most notably Raymond Jr–the first Black mayor of Griffin, were on the forefront of the Civil Rights movement, Phillip quietly supported his community. In the 50's and 60's, there were numerous acts of intimidation launched to keep blacks in their place. Just like it happened to his brothers, a cross was once burned in his yard. Their family business was picketed by Klansmen. Stories have been shared regarding how he and other black men would bravely patrol the neighborhood at night to protect their community from the Ku Klux Klan. Yes, Tuesday's child was full of grace.

In addition to grace, Tuesday's child was also quite stylish. With his family business known for making custom suits, Phillip Head was always nattily dressed. Some might say he was "sharp." Phillip, quiet, thoughtful, church-going, handsome, debonair and a successful entrepreneur was attractive for a number of reasons. Yet, there was one young lady who seemed to catch his eye. Professor Malsby's daughter, Mildred. She was just a little younger and attended Vocational High where her father was the principal. She had also gone to Tuskegee Institute to become a teacher. After college, she taught in Brunswick, GA. Mildred used to tell the story of how Phillip would often come to visit. Then one day, she let him know that he need not come back unless he had a ring just her size. One might now add "smart" to the list of words used to describe him. He did not come back empty-handed. They were married on August 5, 1950. Phillip and Mildred raised two children Lori and Gregory. Prior to his marriage with Mildred, Phillip had another son, Andre. Later in life he had a daughter, Sharon.

Throughout his life, Phillip enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends.  He was an active member of the VFW, Post 8480 where he served as an officer. He was also a member of the Caballeros, a black men's social group. This group would go on trips, watch sports, play cards, and tell jokes. Phillip Head was known for enjoying a great laugh and spending time with his friends. One of those whom he enjoyed hanging with the most was Rodney McCord. They could be found on many occasions at Griffin High football games or occasionally at an Atlanta Falcons game. Often, they'd be together at a local restaurant laughing and sometimes engaging the wait staff or others in their jokes. Phillip never stayed out too late because he always had to get back home to take care of his best friend, his dog, Pepper.

Even though Phillip Head enjoyed his time with friends, he loved his church. As a young man, he often worked six or even seven days a week. Yet on Sundays, one could always find him sitting on a pew in the back of the church. He faithfully served his church. Later in life, to the surprise of at least one of his family members who had hardly ever heard him sing, he joined his men's choir, the Mighty Men of Faith. He loved the fellowship. He became a trustee of Faith United Methodist Church and was staunchly committed to its survival and growth. Phillip Head was indeed a "classic" man. But more than that, he was a man who loved the Lord and lived a life of service to his family, his community and to his country.

Mr. Head is survived by his son, Greg Head of Suwanee GA, his daughter and son-in-law Lori and Brian Prince of Augusta, GA, daughter, Sharon Harps of Hampton GA, daughter-in-law, Jessilyn Head (Andre predeceased) of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Shermea Love, Lauren and Michael Powell, Phillip Prince, Lydia Prince, Leah Prince, Garrett Head, Phillip G. Head, Shomari Head, Abby and Omari Head, Akilah Head, Andre Head II, and Tyler Phillips.  He also leaves to cherish his memory many other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation for Mr. Head will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. A Home Going Celebrtion of his life will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home, located at 1512 Williamson Road. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, located at 797 Memorial Drive. Pastor Donald Reed is the Officiant and Eulogist.