Ewell Curtis Phillips

Phillips, Ewell Curtis

Dr. Ewell Curtis Phillips, Jr, age 93, passed peacefully in his home in Cookeville, TN on December 9, 2024. Curt was born in Ranger, TX on August 15, 1931, the son of Ewell Curtis Phillips, Sr and Genevieve Elizabeth (Brock) Phillips. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ida (Walters) Phillips, and his son, Tim Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Phillips, his daughters Cathy Phillips, of West Chester, OH, and Sally (Chris) Widener, of Springfield, OH, as well as his step-daughter Cathy (Steve) Herrin, of Pisgah, AL, and son Brad (Shannon) Phillips, of Knoxville, TN. He is also survived by his son-in-law Pat Jones, of Cookeville, TN, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Curt was a devoted member of Boy Scouts and successfully earned the honor of Eagle Scout. Following his graduation from Stivers High School in 1949, he attended The Ohio State University and graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1955. After graduation, he served as a dentist for two years in the United States Army with the rank of Captain. Following an honorable discharge, he opened his dental practice in Dayton, OH. He also served as a deputy coroner in Montgomery County, OH, during his career. Following his retirement in 1994, he moved to a farm in Cookeville, TN. Although he enjoyed retired life, he still felt a calling to serve the community as a dentist and returned to work as an instructor in the Dental Hygiene program at Kentucky Technical College from 2001-2002. In 2002, he began practicing as a dentist for Tennessee Public Health until retiring again in 2017. Curt was an avid athlete, participating in intramural football in college and adult softball well into his 60s. He loved to cheer on his beloved Buckeyes in football and basketball. Curt and his family raised and showed POA ponies for many years, and he became the Vice President of the national POA association. Following his move to Tennessee, he and Judy continued to raise and show American Quarter Horses. He was also a fisherman who shared the sport with his children and grandchildren throughout his life. Most importantly, he was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, and a man of great warmth and kindness to everyone around him.