Richard L. Phillips, 88 of McDermott, took his eternal flight to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He was born on February 23, 1937, in Portsmouth to the late Charles and Meleese Knauff Phillips of West Portsmouth.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his son Michael “Mick” Phillips and his daughter Dreama Piatt.
Richard graduated from Portsmouth West High School in 1955. He served as a local circuit rider pastor for several years in the Bluebird Parish. He was a member of the Bethel Church at Raven Rock. He was a construction manager for CJ Hughes and JBL Construction Companies for many years. He was also retired from Lute’s Supply as HR Director, and he was the owner of Phillips Consulting Service.
Richard became a pilot in the 1970s and obtained an instrument rating and his flight instructor’s license. He also had a commercial pilots license and finished his professional career as a pilot for Ohio Precious Metals of Jackson for 8 years.
He is survived by his wife Barbara Barber Phillips whom he married December 23, 1955 almost 70 years, his sister Dru Elaine Phillips of Corpus Christi, Texas, a son Rick (Lois) Phillips, grandsons Tyson and Kyle (Drew) Phillips, Drew Piatt, Michael (Christy) Webster, Joel (Rhonda) Webster, a granddaughter Mandi (Bobby) Barnett, great grandchildren, Tori (Tanner) Queen, Cameron, Creed, Myles, Sophie, and Ian Phillips, Hannah, Natalie, and Makenna Webster, Sloan, Isaiah, and TJ Piatt, Logan Journey, and one great- great-granddaughter on the way, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Debbie Barber, and friend CJ Piatt. A special thank you to the staff at Resthaven Nursing Home for the loving care Richard received for the three months he resided there.
Funeral services will be 2:00PM Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Rick Phillips and Drew Piatt officiating and interment in Scioto Burial Park. Visitation will be held Sunday starting at noon. The family’s favorite charity is SOMC Hospice. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com
