Obituary of Curtis Ray Phillips

Curtis Ray Phillips “CRay”, 78, of Clearwater passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 16 peacefully in his home in the loving care of his wife. He was born in Trout, Louisiana on December 31, 1942. He later moved to Jena, where he graduated High School on May 18,1961. He was proceeded in death by his parents Bailey W. and Vera Smith Phillips. Curtis is survived by his Wife: Sallie Ann (Sam) Phillips; Daughter: Denell (Michael) Faak, Stepson: Jonathan (Kerri) MacNutt, and Stepdaughter: Mary Beth “B” (Gary) Lill; Brothers: John Buford (Doris) Phillips, A.B. “Buzz” (Sandy) Phillips, and James (Denise) Gulde; Granddaughter: Wendi (Zachary) Chapple Avery & Ryder MacNutt, & Liam Wilkes; Great Grandchildren: Charlotte & Beau Chapple.

He served as a US Marine from September 1963 through September 1967, where he served in the 1st Marine Division and received numerous badges and medals throughout his service including Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” device for heroism in combat, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze campaign stars, Military Memorabilia Firms, and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. He then spent a lot of his adult life working as a Service Manager for R-Anell Custom Homes in NC, where he then retired and moved to Clearwater FL with his wife.

Curtis was an active member in the American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, and Patriots Circle. When Curtis and Sam were not traveling, he loved to sit in his recliner and read Michael Connelly books and watch FOX News. He also enjoyed painting and drawing in his spare time. Curtis loved his family with all of his heart and always enjoyed visiting his grand/great grandchildren as often as he could. He was loved by so many friends and members of his community and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or your local public library.

Curtis’s memorial service will be held on July 30, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Bay Pines National Cemetery.