S. Ray Phillips

PHILLIPS, S. Ray, 82, of Clayton, Ohio went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Monday June 09, 2025, from Hospice of Dayton. A devoted Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle- Ray has left a legacy of love to his 6 children and their families. Born April 07, 1943, in Gainesboro, Tennessee to Zelma and Campbell Phillips. They later moved to Ohio where it was while he was attending Trotwood Madsion High School at 14, that Ray met the love of his life, Mary Jane Frank. He conspicuously threw a football into her front yard one afternoon. The rest was history. They were married January 27, 1961, in Dayton. Ray & Mary celebrated 48 years of marriage before she passed away in 2009. Ray is survived by his children, all in ministry. His son, Ray C. Phillips of Lebanon, OH, Daughters, Debbie Bieller (Doug) of Miamisburg, OH, Carolyn Smith (Rick) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Angela Tackett (Marty) of Lebanon, OH, Melissa Childers (Steve) of Englewood, OH, Lora Watkins (Brian) of Atlanta, Georgia.

Ray was a man of faith and family. He loved his 13 grandchildren, Evan (Sarah) Hopkins, Tyler (Savannah) Hopkins, Brandon (Debbie) Hopkins, Justin Smith, Noah Smith, Samuel Smith, Kristin (James) Lens, Brittany (Tyler) Johnson, Jessica (Adam) Gullette, Courtney (Sterling) Lutes, Caeley Childers, Jordan (Gracie) Childers, & Sydney Watkins. 16 great-grandchildren, Dakota, Dean, Kai, Tatum, Zechariah, Brooks, Jackson (JJ), Sunny Jane, Kaysen, Kyler, Xander, Jayce, Kane, Kian, Daxtyn, & Ryker. Sister’s Barbra Staggs, Reba (John) Battel, and many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Phillips, parents, Zelma & Campbell Phillips, Sisters, Helen Phillips, Sue Hix, & Janette Potter, Brother-in-Laws, Claude Hix, Winfred Potter, & Eddie Staggs.

Ray worked for 64 years having only retired recently. Most of those years he worked as a Tool & Die Maker for Estee Mold & Die, General Motors- Inland Division, Chrysler-Behr, and Encore Systems. Ray also enjoyed working at University of Dayton’s Sports games and facility maintenance several summers. Ray was a member of Stratford Heights Church of God in Middletown, OH where his son Ray is pastor. For many years, Ray was involved in music ministry. He served at Crestview Church of God as Music Director and as a musician and singer at Stratford Heights Church of God. Celebration of Life will be held on Monday June 16, 2025. Visitation is from 10am-12pm. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon - all at the Stratford Heights Church of God (4419 Nelson Rd. Middletown, OH 45042),

Minster officiating is former pastor and friend, Reverend S. Lane Sargent of Sumiton, AL.

Interment will be at Willow View Cemetery in Dayton, OH.

The family would like to thank Anderson Funeral Home of Franklin, in charge of arrangements, for serving the family with outstanding excellence. They would also like to thank Hospice of Dayton for their kindness and exceptional care.