Cleve Phillips Jr. (Courtesy)

Mountain City – Cleve Phillips Jr., age 60, passed away on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at North East Georgia Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 3rd, 1966, in Morgan City, Louisiana, Cleve was the son of Patsy Roach Franks (Melvin) of Westminster and the late Cleve Plumer Phillips Sr. (Gail Phillips) of Westminster. Cleve was a hardworking and talented man who was never afraid to work with his hands. Throughout his life, he worked in logging, landscaping, and as a truck driver. He was a man of many talents and was especially known for his unique Kudzu art, where he was known as “King Kudzu”. Cleve had a generous heart and was always willing to help others. He never met a stranger and had a way of making people feel welcome. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he enjoyed participating in Bible study in Clayton, Georgia. Above all else, Cleve cherished his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he treasured the time he spent with them and the memories they made together.

Cleve is survived by his children, Laken Sosby (Peanut) of Westminster, Hanna Phillips (Moeen) of Seneca, Keegan Phillips of Clayton, Bessie Smith (Blake) of Pendleton, and Mary Boyer (Zachary) of West Union; his siblings, Crystal Moore (Stephen) of Powdersville, Tammy Bennett (Ryan) of Walhalla, Stacy Phillips of Mountain Rest, Edwina Stancil (Scott) of Seneca, Valerie Hembree of Westminster, Bamby Phillips of Westminster, and James Clark of Westminster; and his eleven grandchildren, Tate Sosby, Brook Sosby, Ashton Sosby, Carleigh Phillips, Carson Canady, Greyson Smith, Sophie Phillips, Baker Smith, Freya Boyer, Elias Boyer, and Kayden Phillips.

Cleve was preceded in death by his father, Cleve Plumer Phillips Sr, and an uncle, David Phillips, who was like a brother to Cleve.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, at Sandifer Funeral Home.

The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cleve’s memory may be made to Sandifer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 69, Westminster, SC 29693. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.