Omar “Marruchi” Phillips was honored and mourned on Monday, January 14, by friends and family who attended his funeral service at the Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church. The Atlanta native, who had played alongside many celebrated acts like Usher, Mary J. Blige, Arrested Development, New Edition and Outkast, was remembered with kind words after the service via social media.
Big Boi shared a clip of a drum line performance that took place during the funeral service in memory of the Stankonia Studios house drummer. “Rip @omarphillipsdrums #Sons of Thunder,” he wrote in the caption.
Arrested Development's frontman, Todd "Speech" Thomas, who had toured with Phillips for years, also shared some memories of the late artist.
“Omar Phillips was the consummate percussionist and drummer with the heart and soul of ATL in his veins! He toured as Arrested Development’s drummer for many years throughout Europe, Australia, U.S. and Japan. He was always excited about reaching the youth and teaching them the skills to change their lives. So he volunteered to teach at my and my queen’s premiere arts school. He was an all around man of the people, but especially Atlanta.”
“Omar was a very encouraging person,” Arrested Development singer, Tasha LaRae, recalled. “I remember sharing various ideas I had for my music and places I dreamed of performing, and he would continually push me to go for it. He believes hard. He loved his family, friends, peers and music. He saw the best in people and made sure to cheer you up if you were feeling down. He will truly be missed by anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of crossing his path. May he Rest In Peace.”
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