Mr. Ralph Thomas Phillips, Sr. “Buddy”, 87, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at Atrium Health, Pineville, NC.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 4820 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC, with the Rev. Bruce Jones officiating.   The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. before the service.  All Shriners are encouraged to wear their Fez in Buddy's honor!

Mr. Phillips was born July 15, 1937, in Charlotte, NC to the late Levice Thomas and Mary Montess Stegall Phillips.  He was a U. S. Navy Veteran, serving most of his years in the Navy on the USS Yorktown.  Buddy was a member of Alpine Lodge 208 and the Oasis Shriners, Charlotte, NC for over 50 years.  One of his proudest accomplishments was to be a founding member of the Lake Wylie Classic golf tournament and auction with proceeds going to the Shriners Hospital, Greenville, SC. 

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Frances Barnes, Virginia Westbrook, Ann Aycock, and Eleanor Pettus.

Survivors are his wife of 53 years, Nancy Carol Blackwelder Phillips; son Ralph Thomas “Tommy” Phillips, II (Lisa); grandchild Lindsey Barnes (Tyler); and great grandchild Charlie Kate Barnes. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces who loved him dearly.

Buddy had a remarkable talent for making and keeping friends.  He never met a stranger which helped greatly in his many years in marketing and sales.  He will be missed by many, none more than his loving family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.   

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mr. Phillips.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.