Richard James 'RJ' Phillips, a devoted family man, community volunteer, and proud U.S. Navy veteran, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

RJ was born November 19, 1943, in Syracuse, NY, to the late James Richard Phillips and Una Meade Phillips. He served his country with pride as a member of the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he enjoyed a long career in the banking industry at Eastman Savings and Loan, in Rochester, NY. Upon his retirement, RJ moved to Lake Wylie, SC, to be closer to his daughter and her family, where he quickly became an active and cherished member of the River Hills and Lake Wylie communities.

During his retirement, RJ was a devoted member of All Saints Catholic Church. He volunteered countless hours with both the Lions Club and Mayday Project. Outside of his service, RJ found joy in a well-kept yard, taking immense pride in maintaining his lawn and gardens that were the envy of the neighborhood. He was a man that loved a good time, whether he was on the golf course, sharing a laugh with his buddies or enjoying a Manhattan with friends. He was an avid sports fan and a lifelong supporter of his beloved New York Yankees. RJ will be remembered for his kindness, generous spirit, sense of humor and his unwavering dedication to those he loved.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Phillips Eggebrecht (Robert); grandchildren, Elizabeth Eggebrecht (Preston Mousseau) and Richard James Eggebrecht (Olivia), all of Columbia, SC; his brother, Jon Phillips (Carol) of Bear Lake, MI; three great-grandchildren, Blair, Violet, and CJ; and his partner, Beverly Booe Kelly.

In addition to his parents, RJ was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Stonger Phillips, and his second wife, Deb Tiszai Phillips.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 am on July 18, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5016, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 or All Saints Catholic Church, 530 Highway 274, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.

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

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