Raymond C. Phillips

Raymond C. Phillips age 95, passed away peacefully on Friday May 12, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 75 years Johnetta "Johnnie". He was a loving father to Steven (Diana) Phillips and Scott (Paula) Phillips, grandfather to Jaclyn Phillips, Benjamin (Amanda) Phillips, Kelle (Randy) Mullins and great grandfather to Maliyah Phillips and Parker Mullins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Carl and Alice (nee Beekley) Phillips and his brother Robert Carl Phillips.

Ray was born on August 15, 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his high school years, not only did Ray serve as treasurer for his senior class, but he also enjoyed playing football, basketball, and even got to play baseball against Joe Nuxhall. He graduated from Madeira High School in 1945, and in the year 2006, was inducted into the Madeira High School Hall of Fame. After high school, Ray joined the Army and served his country from 1945-1947. On June 19, 1948 he married Johnetta Parker, the love of his life. A few years went by, and in 1950 he moved himself and his family to Louisville, Kentucky to take a job as the Golf Course Superintendent of the Louisville Country Club, where he would spend the next 17 years. While they were in Louisville, Ray and Johnnie were active members of the Calvin Presbyterian Church, and he was recognized as a Kentucky Colonel. While working for the Louisville Country Club, he was honored as Superintendent of the Year for the State of Kentucky. In 1967, Raymond and his family relocated back to Cincinnati. This move brought them closer to family which was very important to them. Shortly after returning, Ray took on a new job as Superintendent of Crest Hills Country Club. He then later worked as superintendent of River Hills Golf Club, Highland Country Club (Fort Thomas, KY), and New Albany Country Club (New Albany, IN). In 1996 after retiring, the Phillips family moved back to Cincinnati and Ray went to work at Kenwood Country Club as a member of staff, where he started back in 1941 as a young. He was a lifetime member of the Superintendent Association of America. He also served as an active member in local superintendent chapters in Louisville, and also the Kentucky Turfgrass Council.

Ray was known as "Skeets" to his extensive family, and the honor of being called Uncle Skeets by many nieces and nephews. He was an avid golfer and loved gardening both vegetables and roses. Ray also loved to fish and made lots of memories on the many fishing trips that he took with his loved ones. He spent many winters in Florida which was always the highlight of his year. He taught many people the lessons of life, love, and respect not with just words but with his character, his personality and his actions. Raymond Clarence Phillips will be missed and fondly remembered by all who loved and cared for him.

While Ray very much enjoyed flowers, his family is asking that donations be made in his name to Queen City Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati.

Visitation, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 beginning at 11:00am with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 12:00pm - Gilligan Funeral Home 8225 Montgomery Rd 45236.

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