SRA Philip John Arias, a servant of his Lord Jesus Christ, a loving husband, devoted father, son, brother, and friend, passed into the presence of his Heavenly Father on the morning of Tuesday, October 23.
Philip was born August 18, 1987 in Plantation, Florida. He was the son of Ernesto Arias of Pembroke Pines, Florida and Teri Himebaugh Arias of Carrollton, Georgia.
As a young person, Philip was afforded by scholarship the wonderful experience of attending The Island School on the island of Eleuthera, where he was diligent in his work and a positive influence on his classmates and others. It was an educational experience that profoundly affected his life.
Philip graduated from Bremen High School in 2005, joined The United States Air Force as a Sensor Operator flying unmanned aircraft in 2010, and had achieved the rank of Senior Airman just before the time of his passing. Stationed at Creech AFB, he was honored to serve his God by protecting his Country and his fellow Servicemen, both here and oversees.
Those who knew Philip knew immediately he was a person of Faith, family, integrity, love, wisdom, humor, passion, and enthusiasm for life. In addition to his parents and many other loved ones, Philip is survived by his wife, Shannon Brown Arias of Newnan, a precious daughter, Sophia Arias, and a sister, Kaitlyn Arias.
Funeral arrangements are by McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street in Newnan, where the visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday evening, October 30, 2012 between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
The graveside service for Philip will be on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 9:00 AM at Macedonia Baptist Church with Dr. John Riley officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by The United States Air Force.
It is the request of the family that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions to honor Philip’s memory be made to www.theislandschool.org/give-now . Include Philip’s name in the notes or check memo. Their hope is to honor Philip’s wishes of one day being able to afford another young person the same opportunity he was given.
Online condolences may be expressed on Philip’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/philiparias1 or www.mckoon.com .
