Death certificates from England & Wales just give basic information!
Trying to find him in 1851 census - but can't see him (yet!).
1861 census: Piece: 1586; Folio: 90; Page: 18
Bodriggy Row, Phillack, Hayle, Cornwall
Oliver, Elizabeth Head Widow F 83 Fund Holder b St Erth
Oliver, Jane Daughter F 34 Tailoress b Phillack
Phillips, Thomas Grandson M 16 Boiler Maker & Ass!
(That's what it says on the census form!) b Phillack
Found his baptism!

4th January 1846 at Phillack
Thomas Phillips, son of Thomas Phillips and Jane Oliver
Father's residence Bristol, and a Smith
Phillack Parish Registers at
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~phillack/baptisms/bap1845_1849.htm1901 census: Class: RG13; Piece: 2111; Folio: 18; Page: 28
21 Avondale Terrace, Devonport, Devon
Phillips, Thomas Head M 56 Boilermaker b Phillack, Cornwall
Phillips, Selina Wife F 52 b Phillack
Phillips, Thomas Son M 33 Engine Maker/Fitter b Phillack
Phillips, Elizabeth Daughter F 30 b Phillack
Phillips, Selina Daughter F 28 Dressmaker b Devonport
Phillips, Ellen Daughter F 20 Tailoress b Devonport
His occupation seems to remain the same from 1851 onwards - boiler maker- so maybe a clue there?