Chapter Eternal - Rhys Phillips Jr. '52
Rhys Phillips Jr. ‘52 - LaVe Portrait
We have been honored to call this man our Brother. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brother.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:
Rhys Phillips Jr. ‘52 - June 5, 2021
Rhys Phillips Jr.
Col. Rhys J. (Jim) Phillips, USMC (Ret.), passed away June 5, 2021. He was 91. Born in 1930, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Phillips of Scranton, PA. He attended Scranton Central High School and Penn State University. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps and sent to Basic School at Quantico, VA.
After Basic School he was transferred to Ft. Sill, OK, for artillery training. He was the sent to Korea, where he joined the 1st Marine Division. Upon his return, he was again sent to Ft. Sill as a gunnery instructor. His duty stations included all the major Marine bases in the continental U.S. and Hawaii. His latest tour of duty was Chief of Staff, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, in Norfolk. He received many medals and decorations throughout his career. He did two tours in Vietnam, where he received the Purple Heart. After retirement, he volunteered as a docent for the Old Coast Guard Station and Museum.
In 1956 he was married to Joyce Reynolds of Lawton, OK. They had three daughters, Mary (Randy), Peggy, and Rhysa (Jimmy); six grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery, VA at a later date. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 5:00 PM at Hollomon Brown Funeral Home, Princess Anne Chapel. In 2008 he received an award as Volunteer of the Year for all of Hampton Roads. Donations may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com