WILMINGTON — Richard Alan Phillips (Rick) of Wilmington, N.C. passed away on June 15,2024 at the age of 70. Rick was born in Winston Salem, N. C. on April 27, 1954 to the late Jesse Barron Phillips and Hazel Colleen Phillips.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Charles Barron Phillips and his neice Colleen Phillips. His is survived by his 2 children: Jesse Barron Phillips II (Leah) of Walstonburg, N.C. and Sarah Marie Phillips (Josh) of Bunn, N. C. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Phillips Feik and husband Kevin of Wilmington, N.C. Rick has 2 grandchildren, Claire Cheyenne Phillips and Jules Dare Wheless. He has 2 nieces, Bonita Fenton and Kelly Breita and 3 nephews, Kevin Johnson, Christopher Phillips and John Phillips. Rick is also survived by his beloved dog, Anchor and his surrogate family, the staff and patrons of Wilmington’s definitive blues bar, The Rusty Nail.
Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1974 and served as an aviation ordinanceman aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea CV-43 achieving the rank of CPO-3. He was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Navy Expeditionary Metal. He was a trusty shell back and sailor’s sailor until being honorably discharged in 1981.
Rick was proficient in many trade skills specializing in carpentry in the construction field most of his adult life. He was a walking encyclopedia of American music. He attented hundreds of live concerts across the world at venues both great and small and had a truly eclectic taste in music. He was an avid billiards player who shot against several grandmasters and on occasion bested them. He earned many awards throughout his years of league play and will be sorely missed by his teammates.
Rick was well known for recounting innumerable tales which he collected throughout his adventurous life, He was loved for his wit and unique brand of humor. He lived an interesting life according to his own terms. Whether you loved or hated him for it, he was consistently and unapologetically Rick. He will be missed by all who knew him.
There will be a private family memorial service followed by a public Celebration of Life at the Rusty Nail located at 1310 S. Fifth Street, Wilmington, N.C. on July 13, 2024.
