Our Staff

Bernard S. Phillip II

Visionary/President, Licensed Embalmer

Bernard S. Phillip II is the Founder and President of Phillip & Sons, The Funeral Directors, Inc., a family-owned and operated business since 2018. Bernard was born and raised in Gainesville, FL. He graduated from Gainesville High School and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, where he earned an A.S. Degree in Mortuary Science. At the early age of 7, Bernard developed a passion for funeral service with the vision of owning his own funeral home one day. He credits his early foundation and knowledge of the funeral industry to Chestnut Funeral Home in Gainesville, FL. His experience spans decades, including working with several premier funeral homes in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and South Florida.

He is committed to providing crisp, dignified, and professional service to every family he serves that will exceed their expectations.

Bernard is the proud father of six incredible children: Jada, Lexington, Bernard III, Christopher, Brooke, & Logan.

His favorite quote encapsulates his life and indelible work ethic, "Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals."

Bernard proudly serves his community as a member of the following: Melrose Water Association, Evergreen Cemetery Association Board of Directors, Independent Funeral Directors of Florida, Florida Morticians Association 3rd District, National Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, and the 100 Black Men of Greater Florida (Gainesville Chapter).

Bernard III, Christopher, & Logan Phillip

"The Sons" & Future of PSFD, Inc.

Bernard III, Christopher, and Logan Phillip are the sons of Bernard S. Phillip II, Founder & President of Phillip & Sons, The Funeral Directors, Inc. They are three brilliant and gifted young men whose lives have been enveloped in funeral service. Their crisp service, dignified presentation, and professional poise bring a level of sophistication that is unparalleled. Most importantly, they are passionate about serving families.

Bernard III enjoys sports, video & board games, swimming, and listening to music. Crowning is what he likes most about funeral services. His goal is to become a Licensed Funeral Director.

Christopher's favorite hobbies are sports, swimming, weight-lifting, and giving haircuts. He enjoys crowning and aspires to have his own crowning company.

Logan enjoys playing sports and gaming. What he likes most about the funeral service are the cars.

The future is bright at Phillip & Sons, The Funeral Directors, Inc.

Donna L. Smith

Representative, Future PreNeed Counselor & Chief Executive Officer

Robin L. Crawford

Chief Financial Officer, Licensed Preneed Sales Agent

Robin L. Crawford is the Chief Financial Officer of Phillip & Sons, The Funeral Directors, Inc. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Robin served many years in senior leadership positions. She is a licensed preneed sales agent and a realtor. Robin is invested in the community as a committee member of the Flagler County Board of Realtors, and a board member of Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Cemetery Restoration Organization.

Robin graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics, she also obtained an MBA from Mercer University. In her leisure, Robin enjoys fine dining, traveling, and exploring the beaches.

Dontae Brown

Director of Operations

Dontae Brown is native of Gainesville, Florida with strong family roots in Archer, FL. He is the Director of Operations of Phillip & Sons, The Funeral Directors Inc., overseeing the mortuary’s daily operations. He is a graduate of Gainesville High School and attended Santa Fe College. He has worked for the City of Gainesville for 10 years. At the age of 18, he developed an interest in the funeral industry. His future goals include becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

Dontae’s commitment to serving is rooted in the desire to ensure that the family’s last act of celebrating their loved one’s life goes beyond what they envisioned by going the extra mile. He understands that they only get one opportunity to do so. This is why he serves. In his downtime,

Dontae enjoys traveling, shopping, and most importantly helping others.

Ralph Vierling

Licensed Funeral Director, Preneed Sales Agent

Ralph Vierling has over 30 years’ experience working in the funeral industry.

Ralph has an associate degree in distributive education from Vincennes University, BS degree in Marketing from Indiana University, and an associate degree in Funeral Directing from St. Petersburg College.

Ralph is the past president of Rotary, past president of the United Way, past board member of the Salvation Army, past board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Past President of University of Florida Boosters Club, member of the Lions Club.

Ralph is a Viet Nam era veteran, served in the US Air Force, member of the American Legion, Life time member of the Disabled America Veterans, Life time member of the University of Florida Alumni Association..

Ralph is an avid golfer, fisherman, traveler and an avid Gator sports fan.

Ralph has been a resident of Alachua County for the past twenty five years.

Jeremy Taylor

Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

Jeremy Taylor is a native of Melbourne, Florida and a current resident of Jacksonville, Florida where he serves as Licensed Funeral Director and Trade embalmer

Mr. Taylor received his bachelor’s degree from Warner University in business management and human resource management. He received his A.S. Degree in mortuary science from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. Jeremy has over 12 years of experience in the funeral industry and his love for funeral service and embalming continues to grow on a daily basis.

Jeremy has a deep love for his family and is also has been a  follower of Christ, all of his life. He also shares a deep love for people and serving in any capacity that he can.