Roland Aubrey Phillips Jr.

• Surrounded by his family, Roland Aubrey Phillips, Jr. (Buddy) passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2019. Born in Guilford County on February 23, 1943, Roland was the son of Sara Parks Phillips and Roland Aubrey Phillips, Sr. He was a graduate of Guilford College (1965) with a degree in Economics. During his freshman year there, he formed lasting friendships with a group of young men, who have been present throughout his life and that of his family, particularly during the last years, when health-related issues made life more challenging. Roland was immensely grateful for the love and support of these friends.
• Roland enjoyed a long career in the financial industry, starting out with Mortgage Guaranty Insurance, where he served for 35 years. For 18 years of his career, he shared his business acumen with United Guaranty Corporation in Greensboro as Senior Underwriter and VP of Underwriting. Before his retirement in 2007, Roland worked for Triad Guaranty in Winston-Salem for 15 years as Director of Underwriting and Senior VP.
• In addition to his life's work and time spent with his treasured family, Roland was also active in his community. A graduate of Leadership Greensboro (1988), he was a member of the Greensboro Jaycees, enjoying his volunteer role for many years at the Greater Greensboro Open. He was also a United Way volunteer, serving as Loan Executive.
• Perhaps his most important role was that of dad; he proudly served on the Advisory Board at Northwest Middle School and as Co-president of Northwest High School PTA. He was an ever-present volunteer and cheerleader at each of his daughters' activities throughout their early lives. He especially enjoyed being a "Carolina Dad" for both of his Tar Heel daughters, whom he adored and who delighted him with their life choices and accomplishments. In his later years, he shared an immense amount of love and attention with his grandchildren, whom he considered gifts from God and who will, no doubt, benefit from all that he taught them about living meaningful and impactful lives. Some of the sweetest times, after Roland's retirement, were centered on time spent with family at Sunset Beach.
• Roland is survived by his devoted wife, of 51 years, Josephine Michaux Phillips; his beloved daughters, Paige Michaux Phillips and Elizabeth Phillips Wilkerson, both of Raleigh; his treasured grandchildren, William Holton Wilkerson III and Ellis Hamilton Wilkerson, both of Raleigh; his sister, Patricia Phillips Weaver; his brother, Thomas Daniel Phillips (Sharon) of Greensboro and their families; his sister-in-law, Sandra Kay Michaux of Durham and other extended family.
• A celebration of Roland's life will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at West Market Street United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27401.
• Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.