The Rev. Roy Phillips, 80

CHESTER, Md. - The Rev. Roy Phillips died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at his home in Chester, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80.

Born in Gumboro, Del., on Aug. 6, 1927, son of the late William E. and Mollie L. Foskey Phillips, he graduated with the class of 1945 from Millsboro High School.

He served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II.

The Rev. Phillips married Thelma Whaley of Laurel, Del., on Aug. 6, 1947.

He worked at Delmarva Power & Light Co. until 1950 and then entered the ministry as a Methodist clergyman in the Peninsula Conference.

He received his Associate of Arts degree from Wesley College in 1952; Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington College in 1954; Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1957; and a Masters of Sacred Theology degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pa.

The Rev. Phillips' appointments included Burrsville, 1950 to 1952; Wesley Chapel in Rock Hall, 1952 to 1956; Townsend, Del., 1956 to 1959; St. George's in Clarksville, Del., 1959 to 1961; Kent Island, Chester, 1961 to 1979; and Cambridge Grace in Cambridge, 1979 to 1990. He retired in 1990 and returned to Chester.

His interim work included Vienna United Methodist Church, 1990; Queenstown charge, 1990 to 1992; St. Michael's, 1993; Crisfield Asbury charge, 1993 and 1995; and Church Hill-Price charge, 1995.

In 1997, the Rev. Phillips became pastor emeritus at Kent Island United Methodist Church.

While at Kent Island, the merger of three United Methodist churches was completed and the people built a new church in 1962-63.

In 1971, a new parsonage was completed and in 1977, an addition to the church was opened. Membership increased by more than 200 during this period and the congregation learned the joy of giving.

During the Rev. Phillip's career as a United Methodist minister, he served as a board member on the Board of Childcare; Board of Global Ministries; Board of Evangelism; and the Peninsula Foundation. He was a life member of the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Co.; chaplain for the Hospice of Queen Anne's and Cambridge City Police Department; past chaplain for the Maryland State Police; and served in the Dorchester County Drug & Alcohol Abuse Program.

In 1969, the Rev. Phillips started arranging group tours throughout the world.

The Rev. Phillips was preceded in death by one son, Byron Keith Phillips; two sisters, Ruth Layton and Doris Tingle; and one brother, Robert Phillips.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, the Rev. Phillips is survived by two sons, Russell Barry Phillips and his wife Barbara of Harmony, and Jeffrey Craig Phillips and his wife Karyn of Crapo; seven grandchildren, Rachel Kellenbenz, Keith Phillips, Jessica Phillips, Joseph Phillips, Bryan Webb, Melanie Steed, and Leah James; and five great-grandchildren, Bradley Schrader, Taylor Kellenbenz, Brandon Rauseo, Alexa Steed, and Blake Steed.

A visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Kent Island United Methodist Church, 2739 Cox's Neck Road, Chester.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kent Island United Methodist Church, 2739 Cox's Neck Road, Chester, MD 21619; or Hospice of Queen Anne's, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617.

Online condolences may be made at www.fhnfuneralhome.com.