Robert Phillips, Jr.

Robert Aldrich Phillips, Jr., 88, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully on April 13th at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital, with his wife Barbara by his side. He was born in Paterson, NJ on January 10, 1935, the son of Robert and Ednaearl Lowe Phillips. Bob graduated from Springfield College in 1957 and then served in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer, obtaining the rank of Colonel. He served a combat tour in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star, among other commendations. He returned to Springfield College where he received his MS in Industrial Psychology, and then continued to serve as a Marine Officer in Hawaii, Japan and Camp Lejeune, NC. His last duty station began in 1982 as Commanding Officer of the NROTC at Vanderbilt University, where he remained after retirement as Director of Plant Operations until he retired in 2001.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Deubel Phillips (d.1993), whom he met at Springfield College. He is survived by his wife Barbara Gregg Phillips and his four children, James Paul Phillips, David Edward (Gretchen) Phillips, Cathleen (Alan) Swiercz, and Robert Lowe Phillips. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Emma Phillips, Jessie Phillips, Maggie Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Paula Swiercz, Michael Swiercz, and Katie Phillips; and Barbara’s son William J. (Lisa) Gregg Jr and their children, Lauren Gregg (Jake) McWhirter, and Natalie Ann Gregg and friends and extended family members.

Bob’s impact in this world was not limited to his military service. He was a loving father and grandfather who had a playful sense of humor. In retirement he contributed to his community by becoming an advisor for the Nashville chapter of SCORE, where he served as President and spent countless hours mentoring young entrepreneurs and developing small business plans.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 21st, at chapel of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave.,Nashville, TN. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 PM in the parlor.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Westminster Home Connections or a charity of your choice.