Holly Springs Funeral Home

Phil Malone
A loving husband, father, brother, and friend, a man of quiet strength and unwavering kindness, passed away on January 20, 2026. Phillip “Phil” Elree Malone will be remembered as a farmer who loved red tractors, a devoted girl dad, an avid duck and turkey hunter, and the longtime Mayor of Byhalia. Phil was born on March 27, 1959, to the late Leamon and Rhea Malone. He grew up in Byhalia, where he graduated from Marshall Academy before continuing his education at Mississippi State University, earning a degree in Agricultural Engineering. While at Mississippi State, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and developed a lifelong devotion to Bulldog sports. It was there that he met the love of his life, Donna Malone, his wife of 44 years. He is survived by his wife, Donna Malone; his two daughters, Mandy Black (Jason) and Molly Gates (Casey); and his five grandchildren: Mary Malone Black (14), Ollie Grace Gates (11), Rivers Black (10), Graelynn Gates (7), and Maggie Black (7). He is also survived by his sister, Julia DeBardeleben (Rick), along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His family was the joy of his life, with his greatest blessings being his girls and the five who proudly called him “Papaw”. With great dedication, Phil served his community in many roles, including alderman and mayor. Even in his final months at Belmont Village, nothing made him prouder than to say, “I am Phil Malone from Byhalia.” He was a member of the Byhalia Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, and he also served on the Farm Bureau Insurance Board and the IDA committee. Living life to the fullest, Phil sought fellowship and celebrated life in all moments. His countless friendships and kind heart stand as a testament to the legacy he leaves behind. Phil loved Jesus Christ, his family, his friends, farming, red tractors, reading church signs, serving his hometown, chocolate-covered Oreos, his mother’s chocolate gravy, and making Phil’s cookies—while never giving away the secret recipe. He was an avid outdoorsman, and when not tending crops or cutting sod, he could often be found hunting, a passion he shared with many of his friends. Phil was an active sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. Phil embodied the true meaning of friendship and family, adding joy and meaning to all that he did. Phil lived his life according to his faith. A member of Byhalia First United Methodist Church for over 60 years, he served on numerous church committees and as a lay leader for the congregation. His love for Jesus Christ shone through all that he accomplished throughout his life. Phil and his family were deeply grateful for the loving care he received during his final months at Belmont Village and Baptist Trinity Hospice. A celebration of Phil’s life will be held on Friday, January 23, at The Flame of Byhalia Church. The receiving of friends will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by the service at 12 p.m. Memorials in honor of Phil may be made to: The Flame of Byhalia Church- P O Box 6 Byhalia, MS 38611 Belmont Senior Living Village – 6605 N. Quail Hollow Road, Memphis, TN 38120 (memo Phil Malone Memorial)

Please leave your condolences for the family below in the guest book by filling out the form below. Your message will be published after review.


Name: Message:

Name: Lynn Shaw Date: 1/21/2026 7:39:39 PM Message: Phil was a good friend. My prayers are with Donna & the family.

Name: Angela New Date: 1/21/2026 9:40:28 PM Message: The Malone family.. you guys know how much I absolutely loved Phil, as well as all of you. Please know I will be praying for you. The death of a father is an unbearable pain that leaves the biggest hole in your heart. I know you guys will miss him. I love you Mrs. Donna!!! May God comfort you during this time.

Name: Terry Cook Date: 1/21/2026 9:40:43 PM Message: I am so sorry for your loss . I can say Phil was one of the kindness people I ever knew,. He always answered the phone when I called need advise or direction in my business. I got to know him in my short lived political race for Tax Collector of Marshall County. Many times after political events we visited with our family. Donna always by his side at rally;s even help babysit my little babies at the time. He and I NEVER said we were running against each other we would say ::We just running with each other”. I will forever cherish his memories and our friendship. He will be missed for sure. He was a pillar to the Byhalia Community and he loved his home town. Love and prayers to you all. Your forever friend.

Name: Gina Ross Date: 1/21/2026 11:01:58 PM Message: Sending love from The Burg. So sorry for your loss. ??

Name: Daniel Ables Date: 1/22/2026 1:02:56 AM Message: Phil was one of the best men I ever met. He was kind hearted and always ready to help anyone anytime. Back in the ol days farming he was always just laid back and seemed like nothing ever upset him. He will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.

Name: Shannon Spoon Date: 1/22/2026 1:13:57 AM Message: I've known Mr Phil since I was a kid and he always was very polite and kind to me no matter where we would see each other. Condolences to his family.

Name: Ki Jones Date: 1/22/2026 1:45:29 AM Message: I’m sad to think Phil died too young but rejoicing in knowing it was a life well lived and confident that he’s now in heaven with his parents and in the presence of the Lord.

Name: Aldie Warnock Date: 1/22/2026 3:40:25 AM Message: Donna, Thinking of you and your family during this incredibly difficult time and wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this loss. I will always remember our wonderful times together in college. His extreme kindness touched so many of us at the fraternity and we share in your grief. With deepest sympathy and love. Aldie

Name: Fred Holland and Family Date: 1/22/2026 3:44:51 AM Message: Thank you for your service as Mayor! My prayers and condolences!

Name: Ginger Roby Daniels Date: 1/22/2026 4:31:39 AM Message: Donna- So very sorry for your loss. Phil was such a special gentleman- always smiling with a sweet, quiet spirit! He was quite the leader in Byhalia- know he was loved and will be missed by all there. Prayers for you and his entire family! ??????

Name: Ginger Love Burris Date: 1/22/2026 12:12:03 PM Message: Phil was a great man and I will always remember the times we had growing up and the summers of fun we had when my family would visit the Malones. So sorry for your loss Ginger Love Burris Texas

Name: Cindy Sullivan Wilson Date: 1/22/2026 3:47:29 PM Message: One spring when Phil was a young farmer, I was on my way to school, teaching in Byhalia, and had a flat in a pouring rain storm just before the big curve at Me.Bill Fitts place.(No, it's not there anymore). Phil passed by and then turned his truck around. He and his farm worker changed my tire in that rain and sent me on my way. His mom and dad set him a fine example of Christian love and kindness and he continued in that way his whole life. The world has lost a good man and Heaven is rejoicing for a child of God who has come home. Love and condolences to you all. Praying for your peace.

Name: Bert Simpson Date: 1/22/2026 5:10:12 PM Message: Heaven’s gain is our loss! Having known Phil and grown up with him on the streets of Byhalia, I can attest to the fact that he has always been an example of the best of Christianity and his moral compass was unwavering. My family’s sincere condolences go out to his wonderful family, with love.

Name: Donna Harney Date: 1/23/2026 5:43:41 PM Message: I will miss all the conversations we had about cotton farming. I will miss the interactions we had about tractors Very interesting. So sad!!

Name: Shirley (Honey) Skipper Date: 1/24/2026 8:07:48 PM Message: It’s very hard for me to express our family’s love and also sadness that our Phil will no longer be in the middle of our family gatherings …. I can only say that I wish every family could have a Phil Malone .. his fun, loving, caring and best son-in-law that anyone could ever be blessed with. I was his Mother in-law but we had a Mother and son love for each other. We never ended a visit or conversation without him saying, “I love you, Honey”. So thankful he was our Phil for the time God gave us. We loved our Phil????????

Name: Laney Gresham Date: 1/25/2026 5:23:28 AM Message: These kind words about Phil rang true even back when we were in school together. He was humble, sincere, and undeniably cute—making him one of the most popular young men in our class. He was so blessed to have Donna, his girls, and the joy of spoiling the grands.

Name: Barry H Cook, Ripley, MS Date: 2/1/2026 10:17:42 AM Message: Prayers for all of Phil's family. I knew him and Mr. L.E. mainly through the tractor dealership and l was the proud owner of Mr. L.E's personsal tractor for many years. I still have many items from the dealership that l'll always treasure. Prayers and blessings of comfort for all of the family.