Ronnie Phillips
Having faced the final challenges of Parkinson’s Disease with courage and valor, Ronnie Ewing Phillips, age 80, went to meet his Heavenly Father on Sept. 25, 2025, with family at his side.
Born Dec. 15, 1944, in Union City, Ronnie was the third child of Archie and Flora Belle Phillips, who preceded him in death. He is survived by Marjorie Wattenbarger Phillips, his best friend forever and loving wife of 56 years; son, Dr. Darryl Phillips and wife, Jennifer (McDonough) Phillips; son, Dr. Jason Phillips and wife, Kathryn (Goodwin) Phillips; and grandsons, Landon, Britton and Cameron Phillips of Knoxville.
Additional family members include sister, Oneta Cochran and her husband, Leroy Cochran, of Union City (both deceased); brother, Jimmie Phillips (deceased) and his wife, Joyce of South Fulton; brother-in-law, Lloyd Wattenbarger (deceased) and his wife, Jackie Jacoby, of Oak Ridge; sister-in-law, AnnSue Wattenbarger and her husband, John Gibi, (deceased) of Mt. Juliet; nephew, Dwight Phillips and his wife, Jana, of Rives; nephew, Dwaine Phillips and his wife, Lisa, of Jackson; nephew, Keith Cochran and niece, Gail Cochran, of Union City; sister-in-law, Melba Phillips Butler (deceased) of Humboldt; great-nephews, Justin (Bobbi) Phillips of Rives, Tucker (Megan) Phillips and Avery (Lauren) Phillips of Humboldt; anda great-nieces Jeana Beth (Stephen) Andrews and Julie (Jordan) Wyman of Hendersonville.
Ronnie was among the last of a generation of true Southern gentlemen, a unique breed of individuals who embodied a way of life rooted in manners, courtesy, respect, integrity, chivalry and guided by a sense of duty and honor rather than the need for recognition. These qualities remained throughout his life.
Growing up on a large row crop farm that produced wheat, corn, cotton and soybeans, located in the small town of Rives in the northwest corner of Obion County, Ronnie developed an intense work ethic, unwavering determination and persistence at an early age. Surviving and overcoming crippling childhood polio and spending a year in a metal body brace at the age of 9 only heightened his drive, resolve and steadfastness.
Ronnie was a 1962 class member of Obion County Central High School. He was salutatorian of his class. Ronnie earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. During his college career, he co-oped with TVA Engineering to help pay for his college expenses. He was a professional engineer and lifetime member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers). Ronnie was employed as a mechanical design engineer in 1967 and worked in the Y-12, K-25 and X-10 plants, Oak Ridge until his retirement in 2004. Throughout his promotions to various supervisory roles, the thing he valued the most was always treating co-workers by the Golden Rule.
One of Ronnie’s favorite pastimes was boating on Norris Lake. He and Marjorie spent countless hours riding and skiing every opportunity they had, teaching their sons the art of skiing at an early age. Traveling was another favorite activity that led to visiting all 48 of the continental United States over years of summer vacations as a family and later touring Hawaii and Alaska in honor of special observances.
Ronnie was a dedicated Christian, an exceptional person and a blessing to all. As a member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, Tenn., Ronnie enjoyed volunteering many years as a host for the Family Life Center. His loving nature and kindness can be summed up in a few verses:
“If life is measured by the way we live — the way we serve, the way we give…
If life is measured by the words we say — the love expressed along the way…
If life is measured by the smiles we share — the kindnesses, the way we care…
Then your life’s measure is clearly known, for these are all the things you’ve shown,”
Visitation was Monday, Sept. 29, from 12:30-2 p.m. followed by a “Celebration of Life” at 2 in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, Clinton. Graveside services followed at Grandview Memorial Garden.
Ronnie’s family placed a memorial box at the church and invited all friends and family members to participate in honoring Ronnie’s memory. They kindly asked that attendees write down a fond memory they shared with Ronnie and place it in the box next to the guest register book. These personal recollections will be cherished by the family as they remember and celebrate Ronnie’s life. For those who were unable to attend the service, the family would still love to hear from you. Please consider mailing your memory or a card to the following address, Holley Gamble Funeral Home, P.O. Box 327, Clinton, TN 37717. The funeral home will ensure all messages and memories are forwarded to Ronnie’s family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ronnie’s memory to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717. Holley Gamble Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
The Messenger 10.10.25