Steven Michael Phillips

1965 - 2024

Steven Michael Phillips

December 27, 1965 - August 30, 2024

Steven Michael "Steve" Phillips, 58, of Mechanicsville, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Friday, August 30th, 2024. Born in Baltimore, MD on December 27th, 1965, he developed his characteristic sense of humor and adventure early in childhood and began serving his community at age 16.

Steve was fiercely dedicated to his community, family, and friends. He is survived by his mother, Carol Ann Blanchard; his devoted wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Marie Phillips; and his children, Kimberly Jordan Phillips (Tyler), Kaesey Elizabeth Grayson (Katherine), and Jason Tyler "J.T." Atkinson (Carleigh). He is also survived by siblings Cindy Jo Biedenbach (Charles), Brian Scott Phillips (Renee), and Denean Lynn Blanchard. He is preceded in death by his father, John Stephenson Phillips Jr, and grandparents, John Phillips Sr, Alvina Smith, and Martha Terry.

Above all, Steve was an endlessly proud and affectionate Pops to his grandchildren, Brystol Mallory Atkinson, Bexley Grace Atkinson, Wyatt Wells Shamburg (due Jan 2025), Brayden Dale Shamburg, Bentley William Grady, and Braiden Lee Koon. He was their everything, teaching them many life lessons, most importantly true unconditional love. Steve attended every single event for his grandkids, no matter how big or small, and was always ready for a trip to Target with the girls.

Any one of his family members or friends would tell you that if Steve never gave you a hard time, you did something wrong. He led his family with fairness and a quick wit. In the same breath, he'd give you the shirt off of his back and remind you that you were stupid not to bring one.

Steve served his community in much the same way, spending nearly four decades in service of firefighting and public safety. He first volunteered at Chesterfield Vol. Fire in 1981, Lakeside Vol. Rescue in 1987, and Hanover Vol. Fire in 1996. During that time he was balancing a career with Dominion Virginia Power from 1985-2003, working his way from groundman to lineman. His lifelong dream came true when he was hired as a career firefighter for Hanover County Fire and EMS in 2003, ultimately serving as Fire Marshal beginning in 2008. In 2020, Steve accepted a Deputy Chief position with the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy, where he continued to make a lasting impact through the training and mentoring of firefighters throughout the Commonwealth.

Steve will be honored with a Celebration of Life at Fairmount Christian Church in Mechanicsville, VA on Saturday, October 5th. Family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Service to follow at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.