Matt McPhail

ELLAVILLE, GA – Robert Matthew “Matt” McPhail, 41, of Ellaville, Ga, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.  Matt was filled with joy in knowing that he would be reunited with his mother when he passed.   He held firm to his faith in Jesus Christ and spent his last days praising His name.  A private family funeral service will be held with a Celebration of Life planned for the future.  Serving as active pallbearers will be Brian Justice, Roger Bivins, Tripp Riddle, Greg Barfield, John Lassen, and Mike Sellars.  All Fire and EMS colleagues will serve as honorary pallbearers.
     Matt was born on September 25, 1978, in Columbus, Ga, to Mitchell Randolph and Patty Sue Reynolds McPhail.  He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He would also attend Shema Baptist Church with his wife.  He was employed as the EMS Director in Marion County.  He also worked with Ellaville-Schley County EMS and the Americus Fire Department. 
     Matt is survived by his father, Randy McPhail;  his wife, Kristi McPhail, of Ellaville; his sons, John Patrick McPhail and Jordan Cooper; a daughter, Kaci Cooper; a brother, Randy (Mary) McPhail, Ellaville; a sister, (Matt) Beth Pearce, Ellaville; a brother-in-law, Bill (Casey) Hasty, Leesburg; numerous nieces and nephews, including Garrett, Aline, Reilly, Bowen, Susannah, and Augustus Pearce; Caleb and Bessie McPhail;  Nicki, Grace, and Skylar Sherman; and his mother-in-law, Terry Hasty, Ellaville.
     Matt lived an honorable and service filled life.  He was a dedicated family man who enjoyed spending time at home.  He had a great sense of humor and always had a good story to tell.  Matt lived and served humbly never seeking for attention.  He loved to hunt and fish.  He passed this love onto his sons and nephews who he shared this passion with and taught them all that he knew.  His favorite movies all included John Wayne and he could easily quote any one of them.  He also loved John Deere tractors and spending time in the fields getting them ready for deer season.  Matt was an easy-going guy who lived life to the fullest.  Everyone who knew him loved him.  Matthew 25:21 “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant:  thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:  enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the scholarship fund for John Patrick McPhail at Ameris Bank in Ellaville.
     You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories with the family by visiting Way-Watson Funeral Home website at www.waywatson.com
     Way-Watson Funeral Home of Ellaville, GA has been entrusted with the arrangements.