Raymond Woodrow Phillips Jr.

Joy and sorrow coexist as Raymond Woodrow Phillips Jr. has signed his final scorecard. Because Ray seized his final round on July 15, 2026, his family takes great comfort in knowing he has happily retired to his quintessential nineteenth hole finding the fairways exceptionally manicured, cold and refreshing beverages, and the sun always shining as he relishes in sharing stories and laughs with family members and friends who went before him. From his eager morning tee-offs of youth to the calm, reflective back nine, Ray navigated the fairways and hazards of life with integrity, joy, and a lasting belief that his next shot could be another hole-in-one.

Born on October 12, 1937, in Guilford County, North Carolina, Ray was the middle child of Gertrude Helms and Raymond Woodrow Phillips Sr. As a young man, Ray was delegated to “figure it out.” Rising to this challenge, Ray graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1956 earning the prestigious Student of the Year award. Ray continued his formal education by attending Charlotte College and North Carolina State University while also serving in the Army National Guard as a meteorologist.

Stepping up, Ray explored different roles throughout his career including writing the sports column for the Charlotte News and Observer as well as working as an engineer for Associated Mechanical Erectors. Ultimately capitalizing on the moment, Ray, with his beloved wife of 63 years Dorothy “Dot” Phillips, created Carolina Electric Motors, which they successfully ran until they retired in 2004.

In his pursuit of self-discovery, Ray found quiet satisfaction in serving others as a Boy Scout Leader at the North Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (now known as the Governor Morehead School) while attending college. He continued serving his community as a Scout Leader helping with Eagle Scout Prep review until 2014. Ray also ran the Pineville Little League for numerous years helping countless youth athletes obtain their official uniforms and aiding in the creation of new ballfields for Pineville Parks and Recreation. Ray also served as the President of the Red Fez Shrine Club helping raise money for the Burn and Crippled Children’s Hospital.

Digging deeper, Ray discovered fresh interests in exploring new cultures by traveling extensively and enjoyed capturing breathtaking images in exciting locales in the United States, the Canadian Rockies, Europe, and China. He also appreciated the solitude of watching the waves at Myrtle Beach along with the mental challenges of golfing and fishing.

Predeceased in death by his older sister, Peggy Phillips Wright and his younger brother, James William Phillips, Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Dot, his adventuresome children, Kimberly Phillips Talleur (Richard), Scott Phillips (Lisa), and Kenneth Phillips (Kim) and his three precious grandchildren, Roman, Wyatt, and Josie.

Ray’s family sincerely thanks Caregiver Machelle Hammonds and her company “With Love and Care” for their amazing job of taking care of Ray for the last 4.5 years.

Ray’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Pineville United Methodist Church located at 110 S. Polk Street, Pineville, NC 28134 on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Ray Phillips at Shriners Children's Hospital.