Rev. Dr. Phillip W. Heidelberg

LIFE REFLECTIONS I have glorified thee on earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:4 It is a fact that life is uncertain. Two facts must claim our attention – the certainty of death and the nearness of death. Death is inevitable. We are born to die. We are to watch and pray and be ready when God calls us home. The Reverend Doctor Phillip Wayne Heidelberg, 66, realized that so much preparation while young is needed and proved faithful to the end, took the final step to glory, Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Phillip was born January 26, 1954, in Laurel, MS to Henry Howard Heidelberg, Sr., and Allie Mae Chapman Heidelberg, who preceded him in death. One brother also preceded him in death, Henry Howard Heidelberg, Jr. Phillip was well prepared for the call that God had on his life. At an early age, he began his Christian journey at Mallalieu UMC-Laurel. As a young child, he learned basic Christian teachings. He attended Laurel Public Schools, graduating from R.H. Watkins High School. He continued his education at Jones County Junior College (AA), Ellisville, MS; Rust College, Holly Springs, MS, graduating Summa Cum Laude receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science; The Interdenominational Theological Seminary (Gammon), Atlanta, GA, receiving a Master of Divinity Degree; and Memphis Theological Seminary, Memphis, TN, receiving a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Phillip served with humility in Ministry for the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church for 43 years retiring in July 2020. He was ordained Elder in 1980. His pastorates included the Picayune Circuit (Weems Chapel where he led the congregation in building a new sanctuary, Newton Chapel, Merrill Chapel UMC); St. Paul UMC - Biloxi; Wesley UMC - Ocean Springs; St. Paul UMC – Meridian; Haven Chapel UMC- Meridian; Parkway Heights UMC – Hattiesburg; St. Mark UMC – Gulfport; Riley Chapel UMC – Gulfport. He served as District Superintendent for the Brookhaven District. He was a delegate to several Jurisdictional Conferences and served on numerous boards and agencies in the United Methodist Church and the community. He was the Chaplain of the Gulf Coast Rust/M. I. Colleges Alumni Club; a member of the Coast Ecumenical Fellowship Group; was previously a contract Chaplain with the Biloxi Veterans Administration Hospital. Phillip married Sherrill McIntyre, daughter of the late Ernest and Catherine Alberty McIntyre, on December 15, 1990, during his pastorate at St. Paul – Biloxi. Cherishing his memories is the love of his life for 30 years, Sherrill McIntyre Heidelberg; the apple of his eye, daughter, Angela Renee Heidelberg; two sisters, Ms. Trudy Heidelberg Ivy, Baton Rouge, LA, Mrs. Mittie (Frederick) Harris, Jackson, MS; two nieces, Mrs. Shaquita (Juanta) Verge, Holly Springs, MS, Allie Heidelberg, Jackson, MS; one nephew, Ansel Heidelberg, Dallas, TX; and a host of other relatives, friends, and clergy colleagues. A public viewing for Rev. Dr. Phillip Heidelberg will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Infinity Funeral Home. Private services will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. To view funeral services for Rev. Dr. Phillip Heidelberg, click the link below: https://www.facebook.com/InfinityFuneralHomes Infinity Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rev. Dr. Phillip W. Heidelberg.