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Phillip Lumpkin Obituary
News Death Notice
LUMPKIN, Phillip (Phil) Anthony of Dayton, Ohio and Seattle Washington passed away unexpectantly on October 30, 2009 after a brief illness. Phil as he was affectionately called was born on December 20, 1951 to the late Harold Richard and C. Dorothy Lumpkin of Dayton, Ohio. . He graduated from Roth High School in 1970 and received an athletic scholarship to attend Miami University. In 1974, Phil was a 2nd round draft selection of the Portland Trailblazers and later played for the Phoenix Suns where he was remembered for his play in Game 5 in the 1976 NBA Finals. In 1981, he received a degree in Physical Education from Miami University and later that year inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. Phil later relocated to Seattle, WA and became a teacher and head basketball coach. It was during his recent 19 year stint at O'Dea High School in Seattle, WA, he coached the boy's teams to 5 State Class 3AA-3A Championships and 2 state runner-ups. The summer of 2009, Phil was selected to be in the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and will be inducted November 14, 2009. He is survived by a son, Gregory Ridewood; brother, Dr. Stephen A. Lumpkin; uncle, Frederick (Marcella) Lumpkin and aunt, Shellie Jordan and a host of other relatives and friends A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, Nov 12 with a viewing from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and service to follow at 12:OO noon at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 380 South Broadway Street, Dayton, Ohio. Arrangements entrusted to Smith -Rose Funeral Home in association with Johnson Brown.
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Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Lumpkin
Deborah Brooks-Thrash
November 15, 2009
To Steve and the Lumpkin Family,
Phil was so special in many ways. He had a great sense of humor and a very big heart.He and I had many long talks while at "Mother Miami" he always said I gave him hope, but the reality was I just gave back a small portion of what he had already given me. He is greatly missed. May it comfort you to know how he was loved by so many, because he gave of himself so freely. God Bless all of you.
Richardsons
November 14, 2009
Phil's Seattle Memorial was held today. Odea Gym where Phil coached for close to 20 years.
IT was classy, with a wonderful sermon, choir, jazz singer, fun stories from former students one an attorney now that came from Texas, a former coach, an NBA friend and a friends daughter. The AD told a cute story of Phil and his small son sharing super heros, spidermen webs. Scripture was read.
The sermon included Martin Luther King
words. It was attended by hundreds, newborn to 90, from all walks of life.
They talked about how successful Phil was as a teacher, reaching young men, As a coach disapline and OLD School pass the ball Don't just shoot.
To respect the game, to be respected by your opponents. It was very classy and well attended. It was said for many it was a class reunion.
The World is a better Place because of Phil's dedication being a Mentor to many. Phil's Family from Ohio saw what Phil meant to the Odea Basketball Community and how successful of a coach and loved Phil was here in his Second Home. Rest in Peace....
OH and Someone else said Phil was stubborn. I always thought that was just my opinion.
Tony Curington, Sr.
November 12, 2009
To an admired friend, educator and father. Your legacy is done, but your words and memories that changed lives will last for ever. May your family find peace and happiness that a true man stood in the doorway of life.
George C. Lake
November 12, 2009
Like many others, I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Phil's passing. Over the years that I played against him in high school and with him at Miami U. I developed tremndous respect for his skills, competitiveness, knowledge and passion for the game of basketball. He always saw the entire court, understood all of the players on it, the environment and conditions within which he had to compete and had a tremnedous sense of the appropriate tempo (which he controlled through his many refined skills). These wonderful traits served Phil and the fortunate individuals and teams he both played with and coached in achieving much greater successes with him than they could have ever have without him. We've lost a true student and teacher of the game of basketball - which has also taught us so many valuable lessons of life.
George C. Lake
Meadowdale H.S. - Class of '70
Miami University - Class of '74 & '76
Gwendolyn (Armstrong) Holliday
November 11, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert(Bobby) Greenlee Jr
November 11, 2009
To Steve & The Lumpkin Family,
My Condolences to the family and may God Bless you at this time of Loss.
I Kennedy
November 11, 2009
The FALCON family of raptors are still flying HIGH around the NEW ROTH H.S.I'm sure that Phil,Donald and many other Falcons are flying high as well!
Gerald Martin
November 11, 2009
To Stevie and the Lumpkin Family, We The Class of 1969 of Nettie Lee Roth High School Send Our Deepestd Sympathy in the Loss of Phillip.The Family will always remain in Our Daily Prayers. May Phillip now Rest In Peace. He Is Gone, But Not Forgotten.
Janice Richardson
November 11, 2009
Phil,
This week has been unreal The Seattle Basketball Community is so sad at your passing. It is Amazing how many former Players and students texted, emailed, facebooked one another looking for comfort. I felt bad when a 8th grade Boy said he had "waited his Whole life to play for you at Odea" he had gone to your camps. The boys who will never have you as a coach.
THEN there are the Adults, Coaches, Teachers, Friends that have so many fun stories of you.
A fellow teacher said "Phil was Not a perfect Man, but a Good Man."
The Refs Yes I am serious even the refs are sending a representive to your service.
Rest in Peace, Even in Death you have taught lessons.
God hold you tight, IF you are debating make sure to keep an open mind that someone else might have a point of view.!!!!!!
Our family will miss you also, it just won't be the same going to an O'dea game without you coaching.
You were a Great Man, who gave more than you took. You just weren't going to be told what to do, and weren't the best at taking advice.....
Glad you enjoyed my cooking.
My son's gift to you is that he is sharing his Dad with your son.
I know that your family will be there for him also.
God's Peace be with you,
Green eyed Girl
Was it Mavrick, Joker or Termite that chewed up your shoes???? YOUR NEW SHOES.
Joe Gutierrez
November 10, 2009
A public memorial for Phil is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at O'Dea High School in Seattle. It likely will be attended by many! A smaller one will be held at the Noble Court Restuarant in Bellevue, Wa on Sunday afternoon. Phil was a frequent visitor and made many friends and fans of his teams there...I for one was permitted by Phil to provide sliced oranges at halftime for his players...for years it was a tradition I hope continues...saddened to have lost him...we add our symphaty and condolences.
jamie davenport-brown
November 10, 2009
we send condolences to the lumpkin family. from the davenport family
David Storms
November 10, 2009
To the Lumpkin Family
So sorry to hear about your loss, thinking of Phil brings back so many great memories of Roth and the spirit that was there among the students and teachers.
Keeping you In Prayer
November 10, 2009
Stevie..I was sadden to hear of the loss of your brother...may you continue to have & hold on to many fond memories of him, as me & my family will do. As they say "back in the day" Phillip, Donald Smith & Henry McBeth were the "awesome 3" on the basketball court at Nettie Lee Roth High School..Even though it has been some years I remember you both growing up, our families were next door neighbors & friends,on Laurel Drive. May God give you and your family peace & comfort at this time, and the strength to carry on in all the days ahead.
Sending you my deepest symphaty & condolences....
Melody McBeth Lee & family -Dayton OH
Annise (Neesee) Pruitt-Anderson
November 10, 2009
To the Lumpkin Family -
Although it seems like yesterday, time has a way of flying. May you find comfort in knowing that God is still holding you all. God Bless!
Thomas Webster
November 10, 2009
One of the all time great basketball players to ever come out of Roth HS. Phil was a fantastic passer, and a smart thinking player. He will be missed by his students in Seattle, as well as by his Falcon family back in Dayton.
November 10, 2009
Guys like Phil is what inspired me to be the Best that I could be! He was a TRUE role model.
Ivory Kennedy
November 10, 2009
Guys like Phil is what inspired me to be the Best that I could be! He was a TRUE role model.
Katherine Isaac
November 10, 2009
To Steve and the entire Lumpkin Family,
Phil was a very special person. He was a bright light in Roth Falcons history and continued in life to shine even brighter. When I think of Roth I think about the great games he played in and as he went on thru Miami Universary and the NBA, his ability to play ball, just was something to behold and that made us all proud. Just know he is in a better place and he has joined the best team around. We all loved him, but God loved him best. May you find confort and peace in knowing how much he ment to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you now always. God bless you all.
Be Blessed,
Always....Kathy
Derek A. Arnold, Sr.
November 9, 2009
As an athlete and fellow classmate he inspired us to be productive. As a underclassmen I enjoyed watching him lead our them to many victories and championships. Roth High School basketball team development started through him and Donald Smith. They are now at home with the father together on a new team. May the comfort of love and support from those of us who knew him on and off the court. Be remembered as a humble and respectful human being who desired to be a guiding light to succeed. Peace be with you Phillip and to your family.
Chris Robinson II
November 9, 2009
Coach Phil, you are gone, but not lost! Your spirit lives in all whom you have touched! That smirk of confidence you had was that of a proud and confident man. You will live on forever in my heart as you have touched me, while our lives were connected for 2 years!
Gerald Martin
November 9, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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