The man. The legend. The heart of so many stories.
There are no words grand enough to fully capture the life, courage, and legacy of Joe Phoenix, 62, of Centralia, who was gently lifted into the arms of the angels on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Joe was born the beloved son of Woodson and Ruth Naomi Phoenix on February 28, 1963, in Salem, Illinois. From the very beginning, Joe carried a spirit that was too bold to be contained — a blend of fierce strength, boundless curiosity, and a heart full of loyalty, humility, and love.
A proud graduate of Salem High School, Joe went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, where he built the foundation of discipline and duty that would guide him for life. He later earned his degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, dedicating his early years to comforting families at Garnier and Sons Funeral Home in Centralia.
Joe then joined the Centralia Police Department, where he served with integrity and a deep love for his community. But in 2004, his call to duty expanded — and for over 12 years, Joe served overseas, beginning with his mission in Baghdad, Iraq, working alongside DynCorp International to train and support Iraqi police. He later continued his international service in Israel with Blackwater, offering protection, wisdom, and calm in the midst of chaos.
In those difficult and dangerous places, Joe found the brightest light of all — Lucy Al Khamisi. Their love story defied distance and danger. They married on January 21, 2015, they joined their lives in a bond built on strength, shared mission, and deep faith.
Joe was also a proud and deeply loving father to his daughter, Eleen. He raised her with unwavering devotion and joy. Every Christmas, he went out of his way to surprise her with thoughtful and extraordinary gifts — not for show, but to see her smile. She was his pride, his joy, and his softest place to land. His love for Eleen was tender, steady, and filled with purpose.
When Joe returned to the U.S., he continued his journey of service in powerful new ways. He started his own business — Phoenix Industries — and also served families again through Macz Funeral Homes, offering comfort and guidance during times of loss. He remained active in security work across the country, and when disaster struck, Joe was there — working
with Servpro in hazardous conditions to help communities in crisis, never hesitating to go where he was needed most.
A man of deep faith, Joe pursued a master’s degree in theology, not for recognition, but to better serve God and others. He became active in single ministry, devoting himself to mentoring, encouraging, and leading countless souls to Christ. His walk with God was real, raw, and radiant.
And Joe didn’t just serve — he lived. He was a licensed pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, sailor, builder, ski biker, shooter, hiker, and a man who embraced every challenge. He was rugged, spirited — and unapologetically sweet. He had a legendary love for dessert and ice cream, and it was no secret that a good scoop could light up his entire face. Those little joys were as much a
part of his life as the big adventures.
Joe’s legacy lives on in those who loved him most:
his devoted wife Lucy Al Khamisi Phoenix,
his cherished daughter Eleen,
his sister Christine Holmes of Kell,
his brother Chris Phoenix and wife Donna, also of Kell,
his niece, Brandy Drenckpohl of Odin,
and his nephew Amos Phoenix and wife, Michelle of Missouri.
Joe enjoyed a Heavenly reunion, greeted with the love of those who went Home before him, his parents, Woodson and Ruth Naomi Phoenix; his nephew, Jacob Phoenix; and his nephew-in-law, Douglas “Dug” Drenckpohl.
To know Joe was to know a man of unshakable faith, unyielding love, and unbreakable courage. He was a protector, a warrior, a father, a husband, a builder, and a soul set on fire for God.
Graveside services for Joe will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Romine Prairie Cemetery, with Pastor Seth Baltzell officiating. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7 p.m. at City Hope Church, also officiated by Pastor Seth Baltzell. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions in honor of Joe’s life may be made to City Hope Church in Centralia, Illinois, a place that nourished his soul and shaped his mission. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Joe Phoenix with arrangements.
Though his earthly journey has ended, his story echoes on — in the hearts he touched, the souls he led, the lives he protected, and the family he adored.
There will never be another like him.
Joe Phoenix didn’t just live — he served, he sacrificed, he loved, he believed, and he led. Now he soars — into eternal peace, wrapped in the grace of God.
