Ronald Arthur Phillips

Ronald Arthur Phillips, age 75, of Mechanicsville, Virginia went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 20, 2022. Ron was born November 28, 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben & Mattie Phillips. Ron is survived by his loving wife of almost 53 years, Carolyn Phillips, daughter Cindy Davis (Doug), sons Greg (Rachel) and David (Tiffany), six grandchildren Caleb, Kaleigh, Keira, Ian, Trevor, Gracie, and his sister Pat French (Dave). He graduated from Lakota High School and the University of Cincinnati, and had a long career as a chemical engineer. Ron worked for forty years for Ethyl/Afton Chemical overseeing the building and maintenance of chemical plants and oil refineries all around the world. He was well- respected among peers and those he mentored, and made significant friendships among his coworkers. His work took him to over 70 countries and gave him over 5 million miles in the air. Ron had a curious and intelligent mind and a zeal for life. Along with business travel he loved to see the world with his wife, including Europe, Iceland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Israel. Ron had a great interest in trains and liked working with model trains as well as reading and learning about real engines. He enjoyed participating in sports and outdoor activities with friends and family, and was a Mr. Fix-it who was famous for knowing how to handle most any situation. Ron had a deep and abiding Christian faith that led him to serve in the church and community throughout his life. He was the BSU President at the University of Cincinnati, a deacon, and a Gideon. In the local church he served in many capacities, most significantly in sound and technology in the worship services. The word most often associated with Ron was servant - he was willing to give sacrificially of his time and talents to help in any way he could. While Ron was a driven worker, he also was a loving and fun family man who always put family first. He was committed to serving his wife, children, and grandchildren and met any need he saw. He was a thoughtful husband, an involved father and Papa, and was generous and kind to all he met. He believed in working hard, laughing often, and eating dessert twice. His family and friends will cherish their memories of him and continue to look to his example of a life well lived. A Celebration of Life will take place on July 16th at 10:30am at Cool Spring Baptist Church (9283 Atlee Station Rd. Mechanicville, VA 23116). In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Ron's honor to Cool Spring Baptist Church or the Alzheimer's Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com