Robert Marsh Phillips

AUGUST 8, 1940 - AUGUST 28, 2016

Chapel Hill

Bob Phillips died at his home in Chapel Hill on August 28, 2016 at the age of 76.

Bob was born near Elkin, NC on his grandfather's 400-acre family farm to parents Artice and Alma Phillips. Working in the fields, roaming the woods, and sharing farm work with uncles and cousins were formative childhood experiences. Bob was active in Fairview Baptist Church and Dobson High School. He also participated in Boy Scouts leadership, livestock judging, and seed identification contests.

His childhood on the farm taught him a deep appreciation for the environment and the beauty of the earth. Bob was deeply inspired by the work of Wendell Berry, and embraced the words, "friends, every day do something that won't compute. Love the Lord. Love the world."

Appalachian State Teachers College brought Bob valuable extra-curricular opportunities through the Baptist Student Union and intercollegiate debating. While attending Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, his roles in the student productions of "Inherit the Wind" and "Waiting for Godot" inspired a lifelong appreciation for the dramatic arts. While on sabbatical at Union Theological Seminary he developed a lifelong interest in liberation theology.

He found his calling in the campus ministry and lived it out in North Carolina in a 34-year career at UNC-Chapel Hill. He worked ecumenically as a Baptist and held yearly hospitality events for international students and encouraged "any and all" Carolina students to find leadership roles, encouraging dialogue and mutual respect among the variety of students who came to UNC. Bob helped students combine religion, science, personal faith, and a commitment to work for social justice.

Driven by his interest in human rights, community service, and the transition from rural to urban society, he earned his Master's in Sociology at NC State University. Consistent with his passion for civil rights, Bob also participated in the 1963 March on Washington with Dr. King.

Bob had an active commitment to the mission of Binkley Baptist Church. He served in various leadership positions, and in later years his work with the grounds committee fulfilled his appreciation for nature. Bob believed that church should be welcoming from the outside in. In one of his last accomplishments as an environmentalist and active member of the church, Bob initiated and completed the installation of solar panels on the church's roof.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Thomas Millard and Eva Belle Marsh and paternal grandparents Abraham Zeller and Alice Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Anne Winfield; sister Carol (Billy) Butterworth; stepchildren Sherilyn Moyer, Susan (Michael) Chernew, David Moyer. His family also included Robin (Brian) Hicks; Glenn (Mary) Bowers, and Lee O'Rourke.

A memorial service will be held at Olin T. Binkley Baptist Church on September 10th at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Binkley Baptist Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer & The Chapel Hill News on Sep. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Phillips

20 Entries

Jay

October 24, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Nancy S Ellis

August 29, 2020

I became a member of the Marsh Family (via Phillip's Mother) when my widowed father married his Aunt Zelda. I immediately became a well received child at age twelve. One of my fondest memories was spending the whole week at Aunt Alma's house, where Robert and Carol lived. Robert was an inventor of a go cart which we rode in the woods. He always had a bright smile and kindness in his heart. Once at Christmas, he had a new black puppy which I was jealous of, being a dog lover. He was truly a child of God ministering to others.

Linda Hudson

September 7, 2016

To Anne and family:

My prayers are with you at the death of Bob. May God wrap you in His comfort and bring to mind many wonderful memories of times with Bob during his lifetime here and reminders of the eternal joy for those who placed their faith in Jesus!

AnnieLou Fowler Rosendahl

September 6, 2016

Everytime I watch The Ten Commandments, I think of Robert. He and I watched the movie for the first time in Elkin NC while we were home for the Thanksgiving Holidays(college). We also attended the same church. Years later, he caught back up with me at N C S U. I had married and he was the new Chaplain. A great man and always willing to help everyone.

Armstrong Pillow

September 5, 2016

I will remember Bob Phillips for his qualities of generosity, good humor, delightful conversation, and commitment to those things he believed in. I am honored to have known him.

Richard Reams

September 4, 2016

Bob was such a powerful mentor during my BSU years at Carolina (1979-82), supporting me both as a future seminarian and during the turmoil of my struggles with my faith and and my selfhood. In the years that followed my graduation, he preached at my ordination service, and we met each year for breakfast, most recently only six weeks ago. I shall miss our glad reunions at Breadmen's. And I shall always be grateful for his healing presence in my life for the past 40 years.

Nancy Sharpe-Ellis

September 4, 2016

Robert was a one of a kind person. What fun we had as children playing in the hills of his parent's farm. It was a treat for my sister and me to spend a summers week with them. We made swings from ropes and made play from everyday items. Robert never changed from that sweet welcoming spirit. As a Step-cousin, I was always accepted. My sympathies to all his family and wife, Anne.

Barbara Gentry

September 2, 2016

Anne, I am so very saddened to here of Bob passing and going to his Heavenly home. His home now we are very thankful and brings me peace to know that he is well and with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Please always remember that a part of Bob is spread around this world. His ministry was very strong in the Baptist Student Union for many years. It was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to be a co-worker with him in the BSU Ministry. He was such a great person and one to look up to in life. He was a great diseciple and follower for our Lord. Praying for you and the family during these difficult days of adjusting to a new change in your lives. God has you in the palm of his hands. He will not forsake us ever. Much love to you my friend.

Steve Teague

September 1, 2016

I was BSU President when Bob and Joe Clontz arrived as our new Chaplains at UNC-CH. Both were wonderful -- and formative in my life as I went onto Seminary and service as a Baptist minister, now an Episcopal priest. Bob's gentle, firm spirit has always continued as an inspiration for me in my ministry and life. He had such an impact in faith and faithful service to so many of us through BSU - and in his faithfulness as a churchman. I have recently returned to NC from my 43 years of ministry - and hoped to reconnect with Bob. It will a mystical and spiritual journey until one day it becomes otherwise in God's grace. May he die to this earthly journey and rise into God's nearer presence. Dear Bob has been such a light to so many - a pastoral, and social conscious presence to carry out the pastoral journey into action. Rest in peace, dear one.

The Rev. Dr. C. Steven Teague

Gretchen Jordan

September 1, 2016

So sad to learn of Bobs death. What a great life. My memory is affirming Anne when he showed an interest in her! Like to think I contributed to their union. He was the best of the best. Filled w sadness.

Lillian W. Lee

September 1, 2016

Bob will be missed by all of us who loved him.May the happy memories of him and God's grace help sustain his family and friends as we mourn his passing and celebrate a life well lived.

Sarah Macias

September 1, 2016

So grateful for the intersection of my life with this man. From now on I want to be a Bob Phillips kind of Baptist, a Bob Phillips kind of citizen, a Bob Phillips kind of human. He touched the earth lightly but touched each of us in profound ways. Thanks, Bob. The world is a better place with the fingerprints you have left.

Leisha Phillips Shaver

September 1, 2016

My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for the comfort of our Heavenly Father as you grieve Bob's passing. Although my theological beliefs may have been to the right of Bob's during my BSU years, 1978-1982, at Carolina, his caring, thoughtful and kind speech and counsel were always 'spot on' to me. I remember alarming quite a few BSUers the year I decided to pledge a sorority (they were afraid at the 'ungodly' influences I would be around). I went to talk with Bob. I will never forget his counsel to follow God's leading rather than man's, understanding that each of us has a 'mission' and are at different places in our walk with the Lord. Bob modeled so much to us during our college years that I am so grateful for. He was quite a special man, AND, he shares the same name as my dad.

Chae Hong

August 31, 2016

As oncology Infusion nurse, I had a chance to get to know Mr. Phillips during the course of his chemo treatment. His a deep conviction of Scriptures and it's implication to daily life resonated through his words and in the way conduct himself. He always had smile even though I could tell he was very fatigue. I respected his wisdom and thoughtfulness. Those of whose hearts and lives been transformed because his influence, may his legacy be carry out as journey trough life. May his wife and family experience God's supernatural comfort during this time of sorrow. Chae

Paula Dempsey

August 31, 2016

What a gift Bob was to me when I started out in campus ministry! His friendship and wisdom during my student those days was such a blessing! He will be missed --

The Little Maple, Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010

Beth Honeycutt

August 31, 2016

Anne and Family,

I recall Bob's wonderful presence in state BSU activities (that was '97-'01 for me). Bob was a supporter and inspiration of mine when I served in Christian Ed @ Binkley 2006-2010.

During our years at Binkley, we welcomed our oldest child. During my pregnancy, just outside our little rental house, cardinals created a nest and laid eggs. Birds came alive and thrived and left. Brian and I were in awe and thought we might could be parents too! By the nest, a little maple sapling was shooting up as well. On the Binkley grounds, we buried Jonathan's placenta and planted the maple start on top of it. It began to grow. But as the time came to depart from Binkley, we realized the maple had been eaten! We remembered this to Bob and thanked him for allowing us to try the planting in the first place. He suspected it was a deer, because "they like the prize stuff!" he remarked.

But that was not his only response...In classic Bob fashion, he added the most wonderful, comforting words: "The deer may have eaten it, but nothing can take the love that wanted it there to begin with." This was liberating and freeing as we transplanted to another season and landscape.

We are remembering you as you mourn and celebrate, for there is so, so much to mourn and celebrate. Love, Beth Honeycutt and Brian Graves

Kristi Lawrence

August 31, 2016

I was a student at UNC from 1992 - 1996. BSU was such an important part of my college experience. And so much of that, for all of us, was due to Bob. He was so insightful and kind. He led with a calm, quiet strength and innate wisdom. He helped us find our own path. And he cared about each of us as individuals as well as Christians in our various stages of spiritual development. Bob made a real difference to generations, and I am honored to have known him. God bless Bob and all of you.

Stuart Sprague

August 30, 2016

I have fond memories of Bob's contribution to BSU life in North Carolina in the 60's. I didn't realize he was only 7 years older than I. What a great tradition and what impact that had on the lives of us who were a part of the movement.

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