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Ray Phillips Obituary
Gary, IN
73, 29-Oct, Reeves Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ray Phillips
Sponsored by Reeves Funeral Home.
Armeika (Ervin) Cameron
December 19, 2020
Mr. Phillips you were such an amazing band teacher! You always inspired me to be my best and never give up on playing the clarinet. You were the best band teacher in northwest Indiana and it was a privilege to be one of your students since 6th grade band class til high school. All the lives of students and people you touched through your musical instruments and powerful teaching will forever be a display of passion and excellence in teaching history. You will be forever missed! Rest peacefully and thank you so much for your awesome display of excellence. Hugs, love and condolences to the entire family!
Anita Johnson
November 11, 2020
My favorite band teacher. You made a big difference on my life by showing ne other ways about doing things. Lol without the attitude. I will truely miss u and I know my mom is telling you some stories. Thank you for everything.
Thelma Robinson
November 9, 2020
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.
Thelma Robinson
November 9, 2020
To the Phillips family.
Mr. Phillips will truly be missed he was a inspiration to a lot of children here in gary. my daughter did not no how to play a clarinet and he taught her how to play. Tara Anderson was the student i walk a many days with them in the parade. We are very proud of him may be rest in pease.
Shantra Roche
November 9, 2020
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Phillips. He was a good teacher that brought out so much good from many of his students. My sincere condolences to his entire family. May God comfort you all during this time.
Jackie Outlaw Block
November 9, 2020
A great man, a great teacher. I am a better person for having known you. Your students will never forget you.
Please know that Mr. Phillips holds a very special place in my heart.
God bless the family.
Michelle Montgomery
November 8, 2020
To Mrs Phillips and the entire extended family, the Montgomery family are sending heartfelt condolences in the passing of Mr Ray Phillips, we were saddened to learn of you lost. Mr. Phillips was such an inspiration to me and Cecelia. During our years at Pulaski he instilled in us hope, courage and inspiration. I can recall the last time I spoke with him I was in the process of gathering personal and professional references for the doctoral program at CMU, we laughed about my squeaky sound on the clarinet and I would always blame it on the broken reed. When asked if he would be willing to write a letter of recommendation, without hesitation he immediately said yes. He said that the determination and drive he remembered that I had would be a key to my success, I have never forgotten that, it is because of his words of inspiration and encouragement I have been on a path to success and never looked back. I’ve reached back and inspired others family members that have found their strength and passion in music. Mrs Phillips thank you for sharing your wonderful, talented spouse with his students we will forever be eternally grateful. God bless you always. Michelle Montgomery and family.
Vicie Mustafaa
November 8, 2020
I will miss talking with you Uncle and hearing that distinctive laugh you have. I pray that the Creator has been pleased with his servant and you are in the midst of his light. May the ancestors welcome you home with pleasantries and honor. I shall miss you. To my breaving family, I pray for comfort and healing.
Will Hargrove
November 8, 2020
Mrs. Phillips, may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May the Lord bless you all with pleasant memories.
I shall miss having conversations with Ray about music and our students.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
LaShawntana Jackson
November 6, 2020
Mr. Phillips was an awesome band teacher. I was in his band class from
1987-1989 at Pulaski. He gave me a great appreciation for music. Playing the flute and utilizing those skills to play the Tenor Sax in the Jazz band. During that time we played in many concerts and received many accolades. He made a great impact in my educational path. I would often see him at Meijer's- grocery shopping. The last time I saw him was in August. He never forgot a name. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Phillips. God bless you!!
-LaShawntana Jackson
Rose Pulliam
November 6, 2020
My condolences to the family,
I was saddened to hear of the home going of our dearest neighbor Mr. Ray Phillips.
He was a compassionate and helpful neighbor.
My prayers are with his lovely wife, children and love ones.
God will comfort, strengthen and give you peace during this time of bereavement.
Grace, mercy, love and peace be multiplied unto you and your family.
Amen
Love,
Ms. Rose
Joseph Brown Jr.
November 6, 2020
Teachers open the door and we walk through it. Years ago, Mr Ray Phillips opened the world of classical music to me when he introduced the Cello to me after working with me on the trombone and tuba. Under the direction of another wonderful teacher named Ms Ruth Thompson, I grew even more.
I did not get t the New York Philharmonic, I did not need to. But I have a classical music collection to this day. I listen to great works and have a knowledge of great composers and works because these teachers opened the door.
Thank You Mr. Phillips, the music always goes on .
Ella Alston-Shabazz
November 6, 2020
My deepest Condolences To the Phillips Family. My Hurts and I don't know what to say. Mr.Phillips was my favorite teacher at Dunbar Pulaski, My Band teacher he could play any instrument and after Ieft and went on to High School I would stop in to see him and we became really good friends . I can go on and on about the things we talked about and going down memory lane . But I will end with this R.I.P. Mr. Phillips Well Done. Heaven is going to be lit with you playing for the Lord.
Sharon D Jamison
November 6, 2020
Here's praying in JESUS' Name that GOD'S strength holds You Mrs. Phillips & the Entire Family up.
May the HOLY SPIRIT keep You All wrapped in HIS arms on Your loss.
Huntsville, Alabama
Robinson Family
November 5, 2020
The Robinson family offer our condolences to the Phillips family. He was a good man with a good heart and we will never forget the bond we had. Mr. Phillips you will truly be missed. You taught Jerhesa, Jasmine, and Brittney great musicianship and we appreciate it. RIP
GRETA E HEARD
November 5, 2020
The Heard family(Donna, Greta, Karen and Evan) would like to extend their deepest heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of our former band teacher Ray Phillips. He taught the Heard sisters in the early 70's at Pulaski and Evan at Roosevelt. Mr. Phillips was serious about teaching music to his students. Ray did not play. I appreciate him for that. You will be missed. Rest in the gates of Judah.
Kennette Grundy-Gales
November 5, 2020
Mr. Phillips was my band teacher in my 7th & 8th grade years at Pulaski Junior high back in the day. I have always loved music, but being in his class made you really appreciate the SOUNDS of music. He was an AWSOME teacher and will be missed by many. My sincere and deepest condolences to the Phillips family
Georgetta Mitchell
November 5, 2020
Im sure gonna miss Mr. Phillips, from the first moment we met we have been bonded, although I was a former student, I considered him as my Godfather. He was a great teacher, person, father figure, mentor, dad, grandfather, greatgrand and husband to Mrs. Phillips. Just an awesome individual. Even once any of us students moved on from Pulaski, he would always welcome us. No matter what year you were a student we were the best concert or jazz band, and summer band was always the truth we had so much fun. To the family my deepest condolences, and thanks for allowing so many to be blessed with his time and presence. I know it will take time, but may God heal your hearts.
Cheryl Jones
November 5, 2020
Mr. Phillips was my band teacher in the 7th and 8th grades at Pulaski Middle School and he left such a lasting impression on me. He was a gracious, kind, considerate and very patient teacher. While he was tough when and where he needed to be - he was equally kind. A great teacher and he leaves a legion of grateful students for sharing his musical talents!. Rest in Heaven Mr. Phillips!
Beverly Guider & Magen Guider
November 5, 2020
I will always remember Mr Phillips as a colleague in the field of education and unionism. He was my granddaughter’s favorite teacher who brought out the best in her for the love of music and instruments, Magen and I send condolences to the family with love.
November 5, 2020
As so many have said, and as a mother of a young man, whose life Mr. Phillips touched, he was a good teacher, mentor and friend. May the Lord comfort your hearts and give you strength during this time. He was loved!
Annette Portis
Gary, IN
Gregory Archibald
November 5, 2020
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.
Sharlamaine, Cynthia & Dempsey Beard
November 5, 2020
Our appreciation for the love and respect of music started because of your dedication to teach us. Condolences to Mrs. Phillip's and your loving family during this difficult time.
Tracy Powell-Threets
November 4, 2020
Sending my most sincere prayers and condolences to your entire family..friends and former students..A shinning example to sooo many... You were such an amazing teacher and role model..(we) all knew who to go to..#Mr. Phillips.. Take your rest sir...'84-'85...
Veronica Busby
November 4, 2020
Linda Minor
November 4, 2020
Rest in peace Mr. Philips. I owe my love and appreciation of music to him from our 7th and 8th grade band classes at Pulaski Middle School. He made music relatable to us by composing the sheet music to the popular Stylistics song "You Make Me Feel Brand New" in 1971. Almost 50 years later and this fond memory is still with me. Ray touched so many lives
Monique Moore
November 4, 2020
He was a great band teacher at Dunbar Pulaski I learned a lot his was a good roll model to all of the students he will be missed be many my sincere condolences to The Phillips Family
November 4, 2020
Rest in peace.
Sandra Porter
November 4, 2020
To the Family Of Mr. Phillips, he was my Band and Orchestra teacher at Pulaski Middle School. I have such fond memories of him. I am praying for you and just know God is with you, and just know Mr. Phillips is always with you.
Linda Barnes-caldwell
November 4, 2020
Thinking of you, and your family. May your hearts feel the tender nearness of God, the caring love of friends, and the cherished comfort of memories.
While the rest of the world carries on as though nothing has happened, remember that others know your world will never be the same.
Thinking of you and hoping you find comfort in remembering, and asking God to surround you with His perfect peace and love.
Gwendolyn Hemphill
November 4, 2020
Sending peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.
Ella Alston
November 4, 2020
My deepest Condolences To the Phillips Family. My Hurts and I don't know what to say. Mr.Phillips was my favorite teacher at Dunbar Pulaski, My Band teacher he could play any instrument and after Ieft and went on to High School I would stop in to see him and we became really good friends . I can go on and on about the things we talked about and going down memory lane . But i will end with this R.I.P. Mr. Phillips Well Done. Heaven is going to be lit with you playing for the Lord.
scott lindsey
November 4, 2020
a good dad and grandpa
Cassandra Brown
November 3, 2020
To Mrs. Phillips and Family,
Words cannot express how heartbroken I was to hear about Pulaski's beloved band teacher, Mr. Phillips' passing. I was a flute player in his band class from 1977-1979 and still remember signature songs taught to us. As the days and weeks pass, may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together and may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. May the God of Comfort hold your heart in His hands.
Cassandra Williams-Brown
Oklahoma City, OK
Cheryl Downs
November 3, 2020
Strong husband, father, grandfather and teacher Blessed. Now Lord bless his family and friends and keep your arms around Annette!!!
November 3, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
DOLENA MACK
November 3, 2020
Ray was my fellow music colleague at Pulaski for 8 years and continued to be my friend through these many years - we texted often. He loved Annette & his family, his music, his students & his friends. I extend my sincerest condolences with prayers for comfort and peace. Farewell, Ray. See you later!!
Sadie Ethridge
November 3, 2020
May God Bless the Phillips family.
Ashlen Gresham
November 3, 2020
Mr. Phillips taught me the appreciation for music. I was his band student at Dunbar Pulaski, where I learned to play the clarinet. I developed so many friendships from being in band, but I never imagined my band teacher would be my favorite teacher as well as my friend. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family.
April Jordan
November 2, 2020
Mr. Phillips was great band teacher and co worker. He was great with my daughter learning the clarinet her and her friends were great. He will be truly missed. So sorry for the family's loss.
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Reeves Funeral Home1167 Rock Hill Road P.O. Box 9, Mount Olive, MS 39119
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