Philip Edward Manley

Homerville, GA Philip Edward Manley, 77 years of age, passed away peacefully at Baptist Village early Sunday morning after a brief battle with pneumonia. He was in the company of Lucy, his loving wife of 50 years. Philip was born in Barwick, Georgia on November 11, 1936, to the late Earl and Gertie Manley. He was baby brother to a sister, Edna Earl, and two brothers, Jack and Mack, who preceded him in death. Philip moved to Homerville in 1953 to live with his dear aunt and uncle, Annie Laurie and Wellie Peagler. He graduated in 1955 from Clinch County High School, and then attended South Georgia College and Georgia State University to study business. After serving in the U.S. Army, Philip returned to Homerville. He joined Peagler & Manley Insurance Agency in 1960 and enjoyed a long career in the insurance business until retiring in 1996. After his retirement, he had the opportunity to pursue the work he loved – farming. With his family, he founded Berry Fresh Farm and enjoyed many happy hours taking the cuttings, rooting, and potting the blueberry bushes that cover the farm today. Philip married Lucy Braselton in 1964 and they shared many wonderful years together in Homerville. They were blessed to have two children, Mary Margaret and Phil, and to gain another son and daughter in Mary Margaret’s husband, Jeff, and Phil’s wife, Myra. “Poppy” adored his seven grandchildren - Jason, Jessica, and Maggie Mauer and Lucy, Thomas, Luke, and Matthew Manley. “Uncle Deke” also treasured his many nieces and nephews and their families. Philip loved fishing at Lake Verne and Dover’s Bluff, riding in his truck with Herschel, throwing pinecones for Feisty, working his honeybees, trying new Southern Living recipes with Lucy, frying fish for family gatherings, and playing with his grandchildren. He was a member of Homerville First Baptist Church and enjoyed serving the community through membership in the Lion’s Club and Exchange Club and participation on the Clinch Hospital Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and Empire Banking Company Boards. In his quiet way, Philip touched the lives of many people. Likewise, the loving kindness of dear friends and family blessed his life immeasurably. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, November 4th at First Baptist Church in Homerville. Visitation will be held at the church from 10am-11am with the service to follow. Private family graveside services will be held in Pine Forest Cemetery after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Philip’s church: Homerville First Baptist Church, 505 South Church Street, Homerville, GA 31634. Condolences to the family may be conveyed at the online registry at www.roundtreefuneralhome.net. Roundtree Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.