Richard Douglas Phillips

Richard Douglas Phillips, age 89 went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday July 21, 2026 at McNaughten Nursing Home in Columbus, Ohio where he had been a resident for a number of years. He was born February 28, 1937, in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother Lula Phillips Elijah (a.k.a. Ummil Kheer Rahman); step father, James Elijah, Sr.; brothers James Elijah, Jr., John Elijah and sisters Dorothy Moss, and Estelle Payne. 

He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife Margaret Phillips of 37 years; one son Ricardo Phillips of California; daughter-in-law, Daphne Lynn (Paul) Hampton; brother, Michael Elijah (Orma); sisters Margery Mobley, Thelma Elijah-Lewis, Margaret Ann Palmer, Ada Martin (Terry), Elinor Ward (Michael) and Carol Gipson. granddaughter, Da Vida Lyles; grandchildren, Joseph Parks II, and Jaela Lyles. Many nephews, nieces and a host of other family members and friends.

After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for several years as a chef. He then moved to Los Angeles, CA, for a brief time and then returned to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked as a drafter for the Montgomery County Administration Office. He also worked for the National Cash Register (NCR) Company and Maytag Corporation as a typewriter and appliance repairman all in Dayton, Ohio.

He was a man of many talents. Even as a young boy he would sell suckers in school to make extra money and later sold encyclopedias door-to-door. He was an artist who loved to draw and a phenomenal cook, well known by the family for making the best chili and fudge ever! He was a big commanding man, but overall he was a gentle giant. He had a big, bold laugh and a warm, loving personality. He was the eldest of twelve children and always let us know it! Life wasn't always easy for Richard, but with the help of the Lord, his wife, his family and friends he made it through. He will be forever missed and remembered. We love you Richard! Rest in peace


 Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God
 calls us one by one the chain will link again