On January 13, 2005 we lost a neighbor and a dear friend when Phil
Phillips passed away. Phil and his lovely wife Suzanne have lived
in our neighborhood for a very long time.
Phil was a native of Marion, Indiana. He was commissioned an
Ensign and earned his naval aviation wings in 1943. He flew
fighters from 10 different aircraft carriers logging over 800 carrier
landings. He spent 3 years as an accident investigator and
investigated the more significant aircraft accidents. Retired from
the Navy as a Naval Lt. Commander in 1967. After the Navy, he
joined a check printing company and was regional manager of 6 plants.
In 1977 he earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from
Georgia State University and he didn't stop there. He received his
real estate license and worked with his wife Suzanne at Northside Realty
until 1994. He was an active member of the Gold 'K' Kiwanis Club.
He and Suzanne have 2 children, 1 granddaughter and 2 great grandsons.
Suzanne and Phil were married for 62 years. In talking to his
children they both said he was "The Best Dad" you could have.
Being in the Navy, they lived in a lot of places like Japan, California,
Virginia and Washington. They enjoyed going to the Officers Club.
Cindy said her dad went to all of the dance recitals and several times
had to run out at the last minute and get a new pair of hose for her
before the show. What a Dad!!! He and his son Bill, built
soapbox derby's and raced them. The also watched many movies of
his carrier landings.
Many of our neighbors
were in the Kiwanis with Phil for many years, and said he was the best
friend you could ever have. It is a good thing to be rich, and a
good thing to be strong, but it's a better thing to beloved of many
friends. Phil was dearly loved by many and will be missed.
Written by Rosalee Whitley
