Robert Phillips

Robert V. Phillips, of 105 Phillips Road, entered into eternal rest on March 4, 2011, at White Oak Estates with his family by his side. A life-long resident of Spartanburg County, he was the youngest child of the late James J. and Bessie Gregory Phillips. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jean Ratliff Phillips; and two loving daughters, Rhonda P. Collins and her husband Joel W. Collins, Jr. of Columbia, SC, and Kim P. Gladden and her husband, William P. Gladden, Jr. of Rock Hill, SC. He was blessed with seven grandchildren who affectionately called him "Da", Beau, Michael, Bradley, and Clayton Gladden of Rock Hill, SC; Joel Collins III (Jennifer) of Raleigh, NC; Drew Collins of Jacksonville, FL; and Christy Collins Rogers (Jody) of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and a special nephew, Joseph Mitchell, Jr., and his wife Emil of Columbia, SC. He was predeceased by his sister, Grace P. Mitchell, and two brothers, Fred F. and J. Douglas Phillips. Bob graduated with honors from Spartanburg High School and attended Wofford College. He retired from CSX Railroad with over 45 years of service and was also the local representative for Augusta Seaboard Credit Union. After his retirement, Bob delivered Mobile Meals for over 15 years. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club; and was a Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and a Shriner. He served as a Hospital Guide at the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. Bob proudly served his country over three years during WWII in the U.S. Army. He was a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army's Headquarters Company, 377th Infantry, 95th Division. He served in Northern France (Normandy), Rhineland, Central Europe and received decorations and citations for combat in the European African Middle Eastern Campaign, American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal WWII, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army of Occupation Medal With Germany, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged November 19, 1945. Several local school children asked for interviews when they were studying WWII; and he always welcomed them into his home and answered their questions. He also visited four of his grandsons' classes in Rock Hill, SC when they were studying WWII, and shared his experiences with them. To his grandsons, he was their hero. Bob was an avid Clemson football fan; when he could not attend a home game, he was known by the family as a "TV armchair quarterback." He and his wife enjoyed traveling and loved history. His favorite trip was to Normandy with his wife and daughters in March, 2001. It brought back long-suppressed memories of his young life in the Army when he climbed over the ship on a rope ladder into the rough waters of the coast of Normandy and waded ashore shortly after D-Day. As his wife and daughters stood with him in front of the WWII memorial on the banks of Normandy, he gave thanks to God that he survived the war, was allowed to return home to his family, and could return over fifty years later as a visitor. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, a member of Senior Adult II Co-Ed Life Group, and Young at Heart; and was an usher until his illness prevented him from his special gift of greeting people. He was a former deacon, and in his youth served as a church pianist. He was known as a true Southern gentleman who always found time to help anyone in need. His kindness and friendly nature will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank the staff at White Oak Estates for their care, love, and support during his time there. He was known as their "greeter" because he welcomed visitors with a smile and a handshake, and he gave encouragement to all the residents. The family also wishes to thank Hospice Care of South Carolina for making his last days with us more comfortable. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorials to Mobile Meal Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605; or to a charity of one's choice. The family will receive friends at 2:00-4:00 PM Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. A private family entombment will be at Greenlawn Heritage Chapel Mausoleum. The family is at the home. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert "Bob" V. Phillips please visit our Sympathy Store.