Ronnie Ewing Phillips

CLINTON – Having faced the final challenges of Parkinson's Disease with courage and valor, Ronnie Ewing Phillips, age 80, went to meet his Heavenly Father on September 25, 2025, with family at his side.

Born December 15, 1944, in Union City, TN, Ronnie was the third child of Archie and Flora Belle Phillips, who preceded him in death. He is survived by Marjorie Wattenbarger Phillips, his best friend forever and loving wife of 56 years; son Dr. Darryl Phillips and wife Jennifer (McDonough) Phillips; son Dr. Jason Phillips and wife Kathryn (Goodwin) Phillips; and grandsons Landon, Britton and Cameron Phillips of Knoxville.

Additional family members include sister Oneta Cochran and her husband Leroy Cochran of Union City (both deceased); brother Jimmie Phillips (deceased) and his wife Joyce of South Fulton; brother-in-law Lloyd Wattenbarger (deceased) and his wife Jackie Jacoby of Oak Ridge; sister-in-law AnnSue Wattenbarger and her husband John Gibi (deceased) of Mt. Juliet; nephew Dwight Phillips and his wife Jana of Rives; nephew Dwaine Phillips and his wife Lisa of Jackson; nephew Keith Cochran and niece Gail Cochran of Union City and sister-in-law Melba Phillips Butler (deceased) of Humboldt. Great nephews Justin (Bobbi) Phillips of Rives; Tucker (Megan) Phillips and Avery (Lauren) Phillips of Humboldt; Great nieces Jeana Beth (Stephen) Andrews and Julie (Jordan) Wyman, Hendersonville.

Ronnie was among the last of a generation of true Southern gentlemen, a unique breed of individuals who embodied a way of life rooted in manners, courtesy, respect, integrity, chivalry and guided by a sense of duty and honor rather than the need for recognition. These qualities remained throughout his life.

Growing up on a large row crop farm that produced wheat, corn, cotton and soybeans, located in the small town of Rives in the northwest corner of Obion County, Ronnie developed an intense work ethic, unwavering determination and persistence at an early age. Surviving and overcoming crippling childhood polio and spending a year in a metal body brace at the age of nine only heightened his drive, resolve and steadfastness.

Ronnie was a 1962 class member of Obion County Central High School. He was salutatorian of his class. Ronnie earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During his college career, he co-oped with TVA Engineering to help pay for his college expenses. He was a professional engineer and lifetime member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers). Ronnie was employed as a mechanical design engineer in 1967 and worked in the Y-12, K-25, and X-10 plants, Oak Ridge until his retirement in 2004. Throughout his promotions to various supervisory roles, the thing he valued the most was always treating co-workers by the Golden Rule.

One of Ronnie's favorite pastimes was boating on Norris Lake. He and Marjorie spent countless hours riding and skiing every opportunity they had, teaching their sons the art of skiing at an early age. Traveling was another favorite activity that led to visiting all 48 of the continental United States over years of summer vacations as a family and later touring Hawaii and Alaska in honor of special observances.

Ronnie was a dedicated Christian, an exceptional person and a blessing to all. As a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton, Ronnie enjoyed volunteering many years as a host for the Family Life Center. His loving nature and kindness can be summed up in a few verses:

"If life is measured by the way we live – the way we serve, the way we give…

If life is measured by the words we say – the love expressed along the way…

If life is measured by the smiles we share – the kindnesses, the way we care…

Then your life's measure is clearly known, for these are all the things you've shown,"

Visitation will be Monday, September 29 from 12:30-2:00 followed by a "Celebration of Life" at 2:00 in the sanctuary at the First Baptist Church, Clinton. Graveside services to follow at Grandview Memorial Garden.

Ronnie's family will be placing a memorial box at the church and invites all friends and family members to participate in honoring Ronnie's memory. They kindly ask that you write down a fond memory you shared with Ronnie and place it in the box next to the guest register book. These personal recollections will be cherished by the family as they remember and celebrate Ronnie's life. If you are unable to attend the service, the family would still love to hear from you. Please consider mailing your memory or a card to the following address, Holley Gamble Funeral Home, P.O. Box 327, Clinton, TN 37717. The funeral home will ensure all messages and memories are forwarded to Ronnie's family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ronnie's memory to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717. Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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