Obituary of Robert Phillips

Robert (Bob) Downs Phillips passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Rehoboth Beach, DE, on March 3, 1937 to Emily E. and Frederick B. Phillips. He graduated from Rehoboth High School where he excelled on the football team as a linebacker and running back. Because of serious injuries in his senior year, he had to turn down offers of football scholarships to two colleges. He graduated in accounting from Goldey Beacon College in Wilmington, DE, and then served in the Army Reserves. Mr. Phillips was employed by Hercules, Inc. for thirty-two years until he retired in 1988 as an Internal Auditor in the Executive Department of the Radford Arsenal in Radford, VA. After early retirement, he and his wife, Jacqueline, nee Thompson, volunteered full-time with Habitat for Humanity, Inc. in Americus, GA, and at the Peach Area Habitat Affiliate in Fort Valley, GA. Bob served as construction supervisor while Jackie served as Project Director. He was lauded for his 'custom-built' homes, but his greatest joy was the day he handed over the keys for the new home to a deserving family. After more than four years, the couple left Habitat and moved to Greensboro, NC to be close to their children. Mr. Phillips' greatest loves were his family and the great outdoors where he enjoyed the solitude and the good deer hunting in NC. He shared this with his grandchildren and taught them many things about nature. Mr. Phillips is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, of 52 years and their three children, Christopher R. (Donna), Greensboro; Gregory C. (Julio) of Washington, DC; and Sherri A. Elliott (Steven) of High Point; five grandchildren: Thomas and Andrew Harris, Mark Phillips, S. Sager Elliott and Emily Elliott; his brother and sister-in-law, Clifford F. Phillips (Eloise) of Burlington, NC, and their four children, and sister-in-law and husband, Joan and Monroe Abram of GA. Bob's wishes were in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his favorite charities: Catholic Relief Services, Donor Services, PO Box 17191, Baltimore, MD 21298-8454, or Peach Area Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 101, Fort Valley, GA 31060. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 5, 2012, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church on New Garden and Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC. There will be no viewing.