David Lee Phipps

David Lee Phipps
3/7/1939 – 4/11/2023
David L. Phipps, 84, of Southwest Ranches, Florida, passed away April 11, 2023 with his family by his side. David was born in Charleston, West Virginia to Donna and Lacy Phipps. He grew up in a coal mining camp in Beckley, West Virginia. His father was a coal miner whose hard work influenced David at a young age. Although proud of her husband's hard work, David's mother did not want her sons to become coal miners. Because of this, the family moved to Ohio to start a better life when David was 12 years old. David graduated from Milton Union High School located in West Milton, Ohio, in 1958. He proceeded to go to trade school to become a tool and die maker. He then started his career at Globe Industries in Dayton, Ohio, and always had a side business of buying, fixing, and selling used cars. In 1960, David married his high school sweetheart Carolyn and they remained happily married for 63 years. David moved his wife and daughter Krista to Florida in 1969 and became the general manager at Labrie Manufacturing in Hialeah. After 5 years, David left the job he loved at Labrie and took a chance at starting his own business. Together with his wife Carolyn, they started Press-Rite inc. in 1974 and began manufacturing closet door hardware, fabricating aluminum extrusions, and other metal stampings. In 1984, David and Carolyn opened a second business, DLP Industries Inc, specializing in manufacturing exterior door components. David's son Brian followed in his footsteps, working alongside his father for the last 32 years. David was so proud of the business they continued to build together and at 84 years old he still enjoyed coming to work with his son until his last days.
In addition to being a hardworking craftsman, David's proudest accomplishment was his beautiful family: Wife Carolyn, Daughter Krista (Troy), Son Brian (Alyse) and grandchildren Alexis, Chad, Dylan, and Devin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond. Survivors include his sister, Glenna Neff, and his brother, Darrell Phipps (Susan). David loved spending time with his family in the Florida Keys and traveling to his favorite place Hawaii.
When not at work or enjoying his family, David loved working on his antique cars, especially his prized 1957 Chevy. David was a lifelong Miami Dolphins fan and a big NASCAR fan who tried not to miss a race. Every year he would travel to Daytona Beach for car shows and races. He would only root for Chevrolet drivers, including his favorite, Dale Earnhardt. David was also a Master Mason and member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to the 32 nd degree. A true gentleman, David loved sharing stories about growing up in the West Virginia coal mines. He would reminisce about how hard work and sacrifice was needed to get ahead in life. His strong work ethic has touched and inspired many who were lucky to know him.
Memorial Services will be held May 5, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm with service starting at 6:30pm
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
1600 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, mikeroweworks.org.