Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Oct 14, 1939 - Nov 7, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family of Ora Phillips. A good man that served the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army for many years. He will dearly missed. RIP my friend
David Daily
November 13, 2025 | Black River, NY | Friend
Ora was a brother to all his fellow veterans, a humanitarian of the first order, devoted to his country and his God, and a shining beacon in the lives of all who knew him. He is missed.
Carl Disalvatore
November 13, 2025 | Watertown, NY | Acquaintance
Ora and Joyce were my dearly loved friends. We shared great times together over the years as we lived in first one place, and then the other. Orie was always welcoming to me when I visited them. He and Joyce surprised Elyse and I with a birthday cake one year since our birthdays are a few days apart. They were the most loving and fun people. I will always miss them and cherish their memories.
Andrea Kanuth
November 12, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
All of Ories friends from American legion Post 61 send our thoughts and prayers. Orie was loved by all and we will miss him dearly ❤❤
American legion post 61
November 12, 2025 | Watertown, NY | Friend
I had the please of meeting Ora, at his sister Kathie Davis home. He was such a delight to meet. My prayers and condolences to your family.
Lawanda Jones
November 12, 2025 | Salem, WV | Friend
Ora served on Salvation Army Advisory Board. For the last few years he and I were the door ticket sellers at the Pancake breakfasts. He was not only a big help, we had good conversation between sales. We sure missed him at the last two events and meetings. He was a true patriot and friend. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to know and work with him.
Jane Jenkins
November 11, 2025 | Watertown, NY | Coworker
Orie was like family to us! We loved both him and Joyce with all our hearts! It was our honor to know him and Joyce! May they both have incredible smiles on their face and be in each other’s arms again! Well done good and faithful servant! Orie’s loyalty and dedication to Asbury will always be first and foremost in our hearts! May peace be with you and Joyce! We love you dear friends!
Daniel & Lindsay Webb
November 11, 2025 | Brownville, NY | Friend
I will always remember Ora with great affection for the many years he quietly and respectfully ushered at Asbury UMC on Sunday mornings. I also knew Joyce as she was a friend of my Mom's (Barbara Heasley). Please accept our condolences on the loss of your Dad. Kathleen & Larry Woodruff Jr.
Kathleen Woodruff
November 11, 2025 | Bonita Springs, FL | Friend
Clear Skies Bouquet
CYHA 14uAA Hockey Team
November 11, 2025
Watertown, NY – Ora R. Phillips, 86, of Broadway Avenue, peacefully passed away on Friday November 7, 2025, in Syracuse, NY.
Ora R. Phillips was born on October 14, 1939, in Doddridge County, West Virginia. He dedicated much of his life to serving his country in the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant after 28 years. Committed to both service and education, Ora earned his Bachelors degree from The New School in 1990 through the Air Force’s remote education program. His career reflected a life marked by discipline, integrity, and devotion to excellence.
Ora is lovingly remembered by his children, Kelley A. (Retired Major United States Air Force, Chris) Hague of Watertown, Erin E. King of Watertown, and Scott A. (Erin) Phillips of Syracuse, NY. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren — Kathryn Rose, Leanne Elizabeth, Christopher Michael, Thomas Phillips, Elyse Irene, Jacob Ora, Abigayle Ann, Shannon Eleanor, and Eli Coogan — and his great-grandchildren, Kylee Paige, Connor Michael, Jocelyn and Blake Matysik, Christopher Michael III, Cort Efren, and Carsen Joyce. He is also survived by his dear sister, Kathie (Larry) Davis of West Virginia, a brother in law, Michael D, Greer of Bridgeport West Virginia, and a sister in law, Janice Dewind of Lyons, New York, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Mabel (Curry) Phillips, his wife Joyce (Greer) Phillips, and his son, Derek S. Phillips, and his brother Einer Dale Phillips.
Those who wish to honor Ora’s life and share in the love of his family are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Church, located at 200 Parker Street, Watertown, NY. The service will be officiated by Pastor Michael H. Terrell, who will lead family and friends in celebrating a life of dedication, kindness, and service. Ora’s final resting place will be in his home state of West Virginia.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc. and condolences may be left online at www.reedbenoit.com.
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