
Roy S. Phillips, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early morning of Friday March 29, 2019. He was born July 30, 1944 in Jenks, Oklahoma to Caroline Fugate and Douglas Phillips and was the youngest of their two children.
Roy attended his beloved Jenks High School where he excelled at playing football and baseball. Roy went on to receive both a B.S. and MBA degree from the University of Tulsa. He taught as a part-time instructor of business administration at the University of Maryland, the University of Kentucky, the U.S. Armed Forces Institute, and Richland Community College in Decatur, IL. He was also a graduate research and teaching fellow at the University of Tulsa. Phillips has published work which includes a serialized presentation entitled “The Development of Commercial Banking in Oklahoma, 1890-1940” for the Oklahoma Bankers’ Association Magazine. In addition, from 1977-1981, he was a contributing editor for Rotor & Wing Magazine, and authored numerous aviation management and pilot evaluation articles.
As a Regular Army Officer, Phillips served as an armor officer and helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1967-1976, with command and staff assignments in the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia. Phillips was awarded six combat decorations that included two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star. Phillips retired holding the military rank of Major.
Phillips was proceeded in death by his parents Caroline Fugate and Douglas Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Willibey Phillips of Tulsa, son Warren Shelley Phillips and wife Julie M. Phillips of Dallas, daughter Amanda Phillips Dalzell and husband Christian S. Dalzell of Westport, CT, and grandchildren Lindsey and Chase Phillips, Lulu, Holden, Sawyer, and Coco Dalzell. He is also survived by brother, Edward Phillips and wife Pam Phillips of Bixby.
In lieu of flowers, please make all donations in Roy’s name to the Trimble Strong Foundation, ATS, P.O. Box 907, Jenks, OK 74037 or www.trimblestrong.org to help towards the fight against ALS.
Served with Roy in Germany where I took over his company when he rotated home. He was a great leader[and a little scary]. We went to the German Grand Prix at Nurburgring and Roy continued the race on the way back to The Rock. A accomplished soldier who was looked up to by all who served with and under him. I'm sure he will be missed greatly. I have wonderful memories of Roy and although we have not seen each other in almost 50 years his presence is still with me and others.
Ted Remmers
Sharon, We are so sorry to hear about Roy. He was one of a kind. Elaine does not have an email but wants you to know that she misses you and thinks of you often. Elaine
Elaine Gregory
Hi Sharon, Roy must have been a wonderful man. He was also an Armor officer, the Army branch near and dear to my heart. I wish we could have met. You're in our prayers. Best wishes for you at this time. Ed Livermore
Ed Livermore
Sharon! So sorry for your loss. Roy was a great inspiration in my life. Glad to know him. I know what you are going through. I will pray for you.
John Humphrey
Dear Sharon and family, what a loss for all of you! We send our heartfelt condolences. He served his country with valor! And I know from you, Sharon, what a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather he was! We are keeping you in our hearts and prayers . Sending our love, Carolyn and Gary
Carolyn and Gary Likins
I wish I could be there for you today. Know that even though our lives have been distant in recent times, I have always looked back fondly on the times our families got together. I am sending you all my love and I will keep each one of you in my thoughts as you heal from your loss.
Michelle Alleman
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Roy's family. In my 26 years of military service he was the finest commander I ever had. He was greatly respected and will be sorely missed by all who knew him and served with him. Corky Federer
Karl Federer
Roy & Sharon have been my clients for a couple of years now. He was always happy, smile. He told me countless jokes about his time in Vietnam. We talked a lot about Vietnam (past & present). I'm very graceful to get to know them. He'll be sorely missed! I miss his sweet & kind smiles already!!!
Thuy Nguyen
I was indeed fortunate to have a great brother and friend over the years! Roy will be greatly missed, but his spirit and loving memories will continue on with each of us.
Edward Phillips
Sharon and Family: Karen and I send our sympathy to you and your family. We read Roy's obit in the Decatur paper this morning. We remember the times at Mom and Dad's pool in Latham. Take care Jim and Karen
Jim and Karen Seefeldt
Roy lived with us (Marty, Rusty and me, Janet) for a while as we were growing up and attending school at Jenks. He was our guiding light as he helped us through some difficult circumstances just as he was also. My parents (mother and step-father were quite preoccupied you might say). Roy was wise and helped us (Marty, Rusty and me) in so many different ways. Mostly just to be good to people, and self respectful, treat people with kindness and so on. I also got teased a lot. There was always humor no matter what was going on. I'm so sorry he's gone. What a wonderful and beautiful family you are. I continue to pray for your peace and comfort. God Bless You. Love to all, Janet Cloud
Janet Dianne Cloud
David and I send our condolences to his wife and family. We are sad that Roy is gone from his family and friends that know and love him. He was one great guy and will be missed by many. He leaves behind lots of fond memories that will keep him alive in our hearts and memories. Roy and my dad really loved and enjoyed each others company and are now probably catching up on some stories. And you are correct, Lindsey. He does have a cute cheshire cat smile! David and Patti Kerr
Patricia L. Kerr