Robert James Phillips

Robert James Phillips, 84, of Little Rock passed away June 22, 2008. Born April 14, 1924, in Rockford, IL to James Benjamin Phillips and Edna Ada Luce.  Graduate of West High School, 1942, Chicago School of Aircraft Instruments, 1943, U.S.A.A.F. Norden Bombsight School, 1944, and University of Illinois at Champagne-Bachelor of Science in Commerce,  1949.  Robert was in the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 where he served overseas duty in Italy, Corsica, and France, serving as an airplane mechanic and Crew Chief.  Was attached to the 47th Bombardment Group of the 12th Army Air Forces that received a Presidential Unit Citation and was awarded the good conduct medal, European Theater ribbon with three battle stars for service in Corsica, Southern France, and Italy.  The principle job of his career was on the Management Team of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for nearly 40 years, he began his career in high school with salesman and machine operator experience.  He concluded his career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company with great accomplishments in management and personnel.  R. J.  was a great provider and enjoyed entertaining, watching the Chicago Cubs and traveling to Florida and California.  R. J. enjoyed refereeing for baseball, softball, football, and basketball.  He loved his dogs, going to the horse races, and collecting stamps.  Bob and June liked listening and dancing to the Big Band music of the 30s and 40s and playing cards, gardening, and barbequing.  He is survived by daughter, Laura E. Phillips, of Santa Monica, CA, brother, Wayne Phillips and his wife Mary Anne, of Hoover, Alabama, Nieces, Paula Greenberg-Harkness, of Rockford, IL, Amy Ludwig, of Houston, TX, Cindy Jones, of Hoover, Alabama, grand-daughters, Amal and Amira Gebba, of Santa Monica, CA, great-nieces, Lauren Ludwig, of Houston, TX, Jordan Jones, of Hoover, Alabama, and great-nephew, Matthew Jones, of Hoover, Alabama. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, who went to be with our Lord on May 15, 2008, June Maxine Phillips on May 15, 2008, parents, sister, Pauline Greenberg and her husband, Don, nephews, Rick and David Phillips, mother and father-in-law, Edward and Norma Johnson, sister-in-law, Blanche Johnson, and brother-in-law, Richard Johnson who died in infancy.   Graveside service Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, AR 72212 .