Robert Phillips
Robert Phillips

Obituary of Robert J. Phillips

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Robert James Phillips, age 73, of Alex Wellborn Road, Deep Gap, died Tuesday evening, March 31, 2009 at Watauga Medical Center. He was born March 16, 1936 in Mecklenburg County, a son of Lynn and Lucille Phillips sloop. Robert was a member of Stony Fork Baptist Church. He was in charge of security at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock for l5 years, a former deputy with the Watauga County Sheriffs Department, and for 16 years was employed by Orlando Paving Company in Florida. Mr. Phillips was a member of Ashler Masonic Lodge #373 and Snow Lodge #363. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Phillips is survived by; his wife, Verbie Sue Watson Phillips, one daughter, Regina Sue Preston & husband, Chris, of Virginia, two grandchildren, Reo Jay and Bonita Sue Phillips, and one great-grandson, Reo James Phillips, all of Florida, and two step-grandchildren, Jon and Anna Preston, both of Virginia, and three sisters, Pat Greene and husband, Carl, and Cecilia Staskus, and husband Paul, all of Florida, and Deloris Darr, of Georgia. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by one son, Reo James Phillips, one daughter, Jennifer Lynne Phillips, and one sister, Shirley Mandosa. Funeral services will be conducted Friday morning, April 3, 2009 at 11 o�clock at Stony Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Vernon Eller and Rev. Billy Norris. The body will lie in state at the church from 10 until 11 o�clock. Military graveside and Masonic graveside rites will follow in the Watson Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7 until 8:30 at Austin & Barnes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Watauga County Hunger Coalition, 417 Meadowview Drive, Boone or to the family to assist with expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Phillips family.