Richard Carroll Phillips

Richard Carroll Phillips was born in Freeburn, Kentucky, (Pike County) on April 26, 1946. He was one of 8 siblings born to Father Cecil Loren Phillips and Mother Mella Justice. He graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia and went on to obtain an AA degree from Florida Jr. College at Jacksonville, Fl. Richard loved and respected his country and served honorably in the US Air Force. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany 1965-1971 during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, he went to work at Duval Medical Center before going on to work for the US Postal Service. He retired as a Postmaster after 35 years of employment and his last post was at Lake Butler Florida Post Office. Richard was an active member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville, Fl. He served there as a Eucharistic Minister and also assisted in the Alpha ministry, the yearly Christmas decorations for the local Ronald McDonald’s house and church, and enjoyed work in the St Anthony Gift Shop for several years. He enjoyed being a Member of the Knights of Columbus, local Elks Lodge 990, a lifetime member of the UF Alumni Association, and a member of the United Postmasters and Managers of America. Richard was predeceased by siblings James E. Phillips, Gloria J. Donald, Ronald D Phillips, Glenna J Phillips, Roger E. Phillips, and Sondra K Poole. He is survived by Maggie (spouse of 51 ½ years) and Sean A. Phillips, M.D (son) and Ryan A. Grunsten (daughter-in-law), his brother Robert D Phillips, and his many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Richard loved God above all and was an extremely hard worker. He was a man of integrity who enjoyed life and was always willing to lend a hand, laugh at a joke, and give a warm hug. He loved traveling with best friends, reading, and watching and attending sporting events as a diehard UF Gator. He met Maggie while working at Duval Medical Hospital in Jacksonville, Fl and they were happily married for over 51 years. Richard was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle who loved holding hands with Maggie and watching the Gators play with Sean. He was known for his engaging personality and never met a stranger as he would go out of his way to strike up a conversation everywhere he went. He dearly loved his family and friends and genuinely thought the best of anyone he met. He loved sitting on his front porch and enjoying the Smokey Mountains, having a Jack and Coke with friends at UF games, spending time outdoors, eating popcorn, listening to bluegrass/gospel, and wearing funny socks. He will have a visitation. His funeral service will be held at Queen Of Peace Catholic Church With his committal at forest meadows cemetery central at In lieu of flowers donations could be made to the Wounded Warrior Project

Richard Carroll Phillips

April 26, 1946 - December 1, 2023