Homan Phenix

Homan Rees Phenix, age 90, of Decatur, GA, transitioned to his eternal life on June 1, 2024. Rees was everything one could ask for in a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born in Anson, TX, in 1933. In 1938, Rees and his family moved to Miami, FL, where he spent his childhood and youth.

Rees attended the Georgia Institute of Technology on a football scholarship, where he received a degree in Industrial Management. While at Georgia Tech, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Air Force ROTC, and a football letterman. Rees was also a member of the 1952 Georgia Tech national championship football team. After graduation, Rees enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for four years until he was honorably discharged in 1960.

Rees began a very successful career as an airline pilot for Delta Airlines in 1960, which lasted for 33 years until he retired in 1993. In 1961, Rees met his wife, Frances Haavie, in Atlanta, Georgia, and they were married a year later, in June 1962. After marriage, they moved to East Point, GA, for five years and then to Decatur, GA, where they lived for over 31 years.

Rees was the father of three children, David Phenix (Leesa), Katherine Phenix, and Billy Phenix (Joy). He was also the adored grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren: Tyler (Marci), Katie, Ansley, Ellie, and Joshua.

Once settled in Decatur, Rees loved to travel, build model ships, woodwork, and immerse himself in a good military history book or novel. Over the years, he invested countless hours volunteering for his kids' schools and sports teams, seldom missed a Georgia Tech football game as a season ticket holder, and volunteered at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. His golden days were spent at his beloved Lake Burton, enjoying good friends, beloved family, and the community of Clayton First United Methodist Church in Clayton, GA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Homan and Mabel Phenix of Anson, TX; his sister, Jean Willard of Miami, FL; his brother, Robert Phenix of Gulfport, MS; his grandson, Joshua Phenix of East Cobb, GA; and his wife of 59 years, Frances Phenix.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oak Grove Methodist Church, Decatur, GA.

https://ogumc.org/donate

A drop-in (casual dress) reception and visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, between 10 a.m. and noon in the Grand Hall at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA. A private, family graveside service will follow afterward.