Bailey's Funeral Home | New York, NY

Obituary For Richard Phillips

Richard Phillips was born to Irma and Kenneth Phillips in New York City on February 22nd, 1943. He was the 3rd child of the 13 children and enjoyed his role as a big brother. Educated in the New York City Public school system, he earned a reputation for being very athletic. Richard was a member of Milbank Center where he enjoyed playing basketball and competing in the Rucker Tournaments. In addition to sports, Richard had a great love for music. At the age of 14 he started a gospel group called The Mighty Mellotones. Richard was not yet saved but little did he know that he would one day be living he words that he was singing about. Noted for having a unique bass voice, his group became well known throughout NYC. They went on to perform at the Apollo Theatre, churches and the Mt. Morris summer concert series alongside the famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. As their local fame grew, they began to travel the country. Their blossoming careers earned them their city pride. Mayor Lindsay awarded them the key to the city. While his singing aspirations were blossoming, a friendship with his soon to be wife was blossoming also. At age 15, Richard met Eleanor at the local playground. As he would tell it, he was dunking basketballs and she was jumping Double Dutch. They remained friends for years until they wed. They welcomed their first child Valerie and two years later their second child, Richard Phillips Jr. Both Richard and Eleanor prioritized family, taking nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Richard did not mind being a father figure to more than his own. Eleanor and Richard were known for being welcoming and hospitable. Richard is remembered, even then for his loving, funny, kind and hearty nature towards all. After 10 years of marriage, Richard and Eleanor met with their Aunt Rowena who was a visiting Evangelist from the Bahamas. She shared with them the knowledge of salvation and the love of Christ. She told them that they must find a house of worship and Richard knew just where to go. God led him to Greater Refuge Temple where he received the Holy Ghost on July 4th 1971. Eleanor had received the gift of salvation one month prior. Richard and Eleanor sang in the radio choir for 21 years. They enjoyed fellowshipping, traveling and worshipping with their brothers and sister in Christ. Taking much pride in his church, Richard used his experience to help repaint the sanctuary twice. Richard continued his singing career into his adulthood. He went on to sing with New Covenant, Christ Sent and the Golden Gate Quartet. As a Psalmist he traveled all over Africa and was dubbed Air Richard in Europe. HE eventually was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. His impact was different this time. Unlike when he was 14, he now knew about the God he was singing about. Soon Richard and Eleanor would have the pleasure of welcoming another daughter into their family, Unique Phillips. The joy of a new child came accompanied by the joy of being grandparents to Kendall, Quioni, Janae, Riquelle, Joshua, Uriyus, Camryn, Saymone, and Cassius and great grandchildren Aria and Liam. Each of his grandchildren shared a close bond with Richard. He made quality time for his grandchildren and because of that, he will be incredibly missed. These are his siblings proceeding him in death. Bernard, Lloyd, Irma, Linda, George Junior and Clarence. Richard also leaves behind siblings, Robert, Margaret, Ronnie, Lawrence and a host of nieces, and nephews, all of whom share their own special relationship with Richard.

Guest Book

Richard I want to thank you and Eleanor for being a friend and my spiritual parents. You will always be in my heart S.I.P ❤

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- Bailey's Funeral Home | New York, NY