Gene Phillip Sullivan

Gene Phillip “Phil” Sullivan, age 81, of Centreville, MI passed away peacefully at his home on September 17, 2026.

He was born in Logansport, Indiana, on February 10, 1945, the son of Garnie Sullivan and Gertrude (Miller) Davis. On May 18, 1963, he married Mary Nelson in Galveston, Indiana. Together, they shared more than 63 years of marriage.

After graduating from high school, Phil completed an apprenticeship and earned his vocational school journeyman certification in machine repair. He worked for Chrysler Corporation for 11 years before beginning his career with General Motors in 1977. He remained with General Motors until his retirement in 2006.

Phil was an easygoing, hardworking man who loved staying busy, especially in his garage. He was a true tinkerer and enjoyed working on just about anything. He had a particular appreciation for Snap-on Tools and even spent some time selling them. He loved John Deere tractors and could often be found wearing his favorite Indiana University or John Deere clothing.

Phil had a passion for dune buggies. He built his own dune buggy and enjoyed taking it to Silver Lake Dunes, where he enjoyed watching the dune buggy races and hill climbs. He also loved golf and pickleball and spent many hours enjoying the outdoors and working on his various projects.

For 18 years, Phil and Mary spent their winters in Florida. He loved letting the grandkids help drive the boat and taking them out on the river on inner tubes on the St. Joseph River and would even stop to touch the Covered Bridge. Family was incredibly important to Phil, and he was present for the birth of every one of his grandchildren.

Some of Phil’s favorite simple pleasures included stopping at Sand Lake for ice cream, enjoying a good chocolate malt, drinking a Coke, and eating Hershey’s Big Block candy bars. He even enjoyed introducing his children to cherry Coke made with syrup. He was a devoted Indiana University basketball fan and loved cheering on the Hoosiers.

Phil grew up on a farm and remained a farm guy at heart throughout his life. Above all else, he loved his family. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and the time he spent with them created memories that will be cherished by his family for generations.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sullivan of Centreville, Michigan; son, Scott (Ginnyne) Sullivan of Chelsea, Michigan; daughter, Heather (Tim) Oudekerk of Portage, Michigan; grandchildren, Phillip Sullivan of Stockbridge, Michigan; Brandon (Sarah) Sullivan of Waterford, Michigan; Nicholas Oudekerk of Portage; and Cassidy Oudekerk of Portage; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Arya, and Hadley Sullivan; sibling, Max (Judy) Sullivan of Galveston, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeffrey Sullivan; and his sibling, Gerald Sullivan.

In accordance with Phil’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Avenue, Three Rivers, Michigan. A time of sharing led by Pastor Rodger Moyer will begin at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Phil’s memory are asked to consider Beacon Home Health and Hospice, formerly known as Three Rivers Home Health and Hospice, envelopes are avaible at the funeral home. 

Please visit www.rayfuneralservices.com to gather and share in Phil's memory.