Ronald Phillips

Ronald Eugene Phillips of Athens, Ala., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, after a brief illness.
He was born in Vero Beach, Fla., to Dewey and Annie Phillips in 1935. Ronnie participated in several sports in high school. He excelled particularly at football and basketball, which helped him attain a scholarship to Murray State College in Murray, Ky. He graduated as valedictorian from Vero Beach High School in 1953.
At Murray, he was quarterback for the Murray State Racers and graduated with a degree in Math. While at Murray, he met and married Carolyn Faulkner.
Throughout the next few decades, Ronnie taught and coached at five different high schools in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, eventually ending up at Athens High School. He also taught at Calhoun College and Martin Methodist. Ronnie loved teaching, particularly math. He also achieved success in coaching both football and track. While head football coach, the Golden Eagles were co-state champs in 1976. He also coached Athens to several state track championships. He was named 3A Alabama Coach of the Year in 1976.
In the 1990s, Ronnie was a member of the Decatur Elks BPOE 655. As an active member, Ronnie served as a Board Member and Treasurer.
After retirement, Ronnie and Carolyn moved to Vero Beach for several years. While there, they both served as deacons for First Baptist Church. During retirement, they both enjoyed traveling the country and spending time with their family. Ronnie particularly enjoyed his travels to the mountains out west.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carolyn Phillips; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Lynn Phillips; daughter and son-in-law, Kyle and Don Turner; brother, Gary Phillips; grandson, Clint Turner and his wife, Tara; great-grandsons, Caleb, Cameron and Caden; grandson, Philip Turner and his wife, Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Brock and Ali. Also left is his giant lap dog, Joey.
A private service will be held at Spry Funeral Home in Athens, Ala. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at concussionfoundation.org.

Published in The Messenger 5.31.23