September 6, 1958  –  March 5, 2026

Shannon — Phillip “Phil” Vandevander peacefully strolled through the gates of Heaven early Wednesday morning with his guitar on his back and a song of praise in his heart. He was welcomed into eternal glory by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, along with many beloved family members and friends who had gone before him. One can only imagine the music, laughter, praise, and joyful reunion that followed. Phillip was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on September 6, 1958, to the late Albert “Red” and Ruby Nell Vandevander. He was raised along the country roads of southern Lee County between Shannon and Okolona and graduated from Shannon High School in 1976 where he was a standout football player.

Shortly after high school, Phillip began a career in sales where he found great success. His success was largely due to his genuine love for meeting people and the joy he found in every conversation with those whose paths he crossed. Later in life, he worked with Jake (Buskirk) showing and selling cattle, a job he truly enjoyed because it reminded him of his childhood and younger teenage years growing up in the country. Phil loved the land, the cowboy life, his boots and his guitar passionately. He was a happy, go lucky personality endeared by many.

Phillip met the love of his life, Brenda, in 2020. The two were united in marriage on May 14, 2022, and made their home together in the same country home where Phillip was raised. Phillip was the proud father of one son, Corey Vandevander, who is married to Sasha and resides in New Albany, Mississippi. Phillip loved them dearly and often spoke proudly of them to family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel in Tupelo with Pastor Terry Ledbetter officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until service time at 4:00 PM. Private burial will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/livestreaming and will remain archived for later viewing. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to serve the Vandevander family and their many friends.

Phillip is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Vandevander of Shannon, Mississippi; his son, Corey Vandevander (Sasha) of New Albany, Mississippi; a son through marriage, Chris Key (Violet) and their children of Lincoln, Alabama; his brother, Brian Vandevander (Teresa) of Gadsden, Alabama; a special sister-in-law, JoAnn Smith (Dale); grandson, Landon Pannell; granddaughter, Jayla Thomas; nieces, Callie Page (Zach) of Oneonta, Alabama, Baleigh Swaney of Gadsden, Alabama, and Abby Finch (Peter) of Birmingham, Alabama; and several great-nieces and nephews including Bo Walker, Lucas Page, and Tatum Page, all of Oneonta, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, N.O. and Pearlie Weeks and B.J. and Mary Lee Vandevander; his parents, Albert “Red” and Ruby Nell Vandevander; and his niece and nephew, Easton Joel and Presly Grace Vandevander.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Pannell, Perry Holland, Jake Buskurt, Gus Arondelle, and Perry Frederick.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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