Phillips, Richard Keith
Richard “Rick” Keith Phillips, 75, of Radford, formerly of Williamsburg, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024. Born in Oakland, Calif. where his father was stationed in the Navy, Rick spent most of his childhood with his 4 siblings in Indiana, and graduated from Princeton High School in 1966. Rick was a U. S. Navy veteran and served in the Vietnam War. After his time in the service, he settled in Williamsburg where he raised his family and was a successful businessman and entrepreneur.
Rick was known throughout Williamsburg for his hospitality skills. He was a member and past president of the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association. Most notably, he founded and operated the Sportsman’s Grille. “Mr Rick” was one of the best “saloon keepers” around and had many customers who became friends. He was a hard worker who loved his family, dogs, fishing, hunting, and putting up his light tree on the deck every year at Christmas.
An enthusiast of unique and poorly functioning vehicles and boats, you may have seen him driving around in his red truck, early 90’s-era limousine, or one of his many Volkswagen vans. You could also find him working on his boat, the “Jolly Bateau” at the Kingsmill marina. Or perhaps you saw him stuck in the middle of Kingsmill Pond in a plug-less John boat with a dead trolling motor.
Rick spent most of his adult life in the Tidewater area, but eventually relocated to Radford to be close to his daughter’s family. He loved his grand-dog “Pippa” and looked forward to her visits.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret ”Peg” Phillips; sisters, Susie Harrod and Anne “Pooh” Spear, as well as her husband Ron.
Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Carter (John) of Christiansburg; son, Alex Phillips (Jessica) of Santa Barbara, Calif.; grandchildren, Maxton “Max” Carter and Lou Phillips; brothers, Chris Phillips (Sharon) of Williamsburg, and Jim Phillips (Connie) of Ocala, Fla.; brother-in-law, Byron Harrod of Williamsburg; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank his special longtime caregiver, Cynthia Black, as well as the staff at Radford Rehab and Carilion NRV Medical Center who provided exceptional care to Rick in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the National M.S. Society at nationalmssociety.org or Guiding Eyes for the Blind at guidingeyes.org or to Americas vet dogs www.vetdogs.org.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held in Williamsburg later this year with details to follow.
The family intends to compile a record of memories, photos, and stories from Rick’s life ahead of the event. Please email any contributions to memoriesofrickphillips@gmail.com by May 31st.
The Phillips family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.Mullinsfuneralhome.com
