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FAIRFIELD GLADE, TN – Bobby R. Phillips, 94, died Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Good Samaritan Skilled Nursing Care.

Formerly a resident of Murfreesboro, NC in the 1970s to early 1980s with first wife Tommie Phillips and three children, he was plant manager of CF Industries in Tunis until transferring to Terre Haute, IN, upon CF’s local closure.

Bob is survived by his second wife, Betsy Miller Phillips; children, Anthony of Hixson, TN, Leisha Shaver (Dean) of Concord, and Darryl (Jane) of Raleigh; stepchildren, Eric Miller (Julie) of Salisbury, MD and Holly Harris of Houston, TX; six grandchildren: Marissa Shaver of Portland, OR, Cameron (Davis) Shaver of Malbergweich, Germany, Challie (Andrew) Monk of Columbia, SC, Grant (Caroline) Shaver of Elgin, SC; Ashley Lusk of Soddy Daisy, TN, Keith Phillips of Raleigh; a step-granddaughter, Nicole (Logan) Robertson of Cypress, TX; six great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, beloved cousins, a niece and a nephew.

The eldest of four children, Bob was born on September 21, 1929 to the late James Lester and Blanche Liles Phillips in Cullman, AL. A Korean War veteran, he served in U.S. Naval Aviation for four years before marrying Tommie (nee McGukin) in 1953.

In addition to wife Tommie, who died in 1990, and his parents, Bob was preceded in death by brothers, James W. of Mississippi and Billy D. Phillips of Alabama, and a sister, Frances McCreary of Alabama.

Bob graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering in three years and was an avid fan of all Crimson Tide sports, especially football. He spent 40 years in the chemical industry, taking him and his growing family first to Texas, then Alabama, Indonesia, Florida, North Carolina, and Indiana. As plant manager in Tunis, NC, he once hosted NC Governor Jim Hunt in effort to recruit more industry to northeastern NC.

Bob was a former member and deacon of Murfreesboro Baptist Church. A co-founder of the Murfreesboro High School Athletic Boosters Club, he never missed one home or away football game during son Darryl and daughter Leisha’s years of playing and cheerleading. Bob was profiled as “Citizen of the Week” in the News-Herald and was a longtime member of the Murfreesboro Exchange Club.

He was a lifetime member of the American Society of Metals. Other civic involvement included the American Legion Post 0163 of Crossville, TN; Korean War Veteran Association Plateau Chapter 297 of Cumberland County, TN; the “Hackers” golf group, and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Fairfield Glade, TN.

Upon retiring to Tennessee from Indiana in 1996, Bob and Betsy enjoyed extensive travel both home and aboard. He was proud of having visited all 50 states. Bob reveled in being his own travel agent, arranging all minute details and passing on tips, airport layouts, and maps to his children and grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Eva Cemetery in Eva, Alabama, with Peck Funeral Home of Hartselle, AL directing.