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)