Ron Phillips, Sr.
Jeronnie L. “Ron” Phillips, Sr., a longtime Chattanooga educator, 70, passed away August 10, 2019 at his home, surrounded by family.
He was born Aug. 20, 1948 in Harriman, Tn. to Clifford and Pernia Phillips.
Ron grew up in Nashville, Tn. but graduated from Harriman High School. He continued his education by earning a BS degree from Carson-Newman College and later, double Masters Degrees in Administration and Counseling from the UTC.
Ron married Margaret Ferguson Phillips in 1971 and settled in Chattanooga.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga where he taught Sunday School and served two years as Sunday School superintendent.
Ron was a lifelong educator beginning as a teacher in Georgia, Hamilton County and Baylor.
He then served as an administrator in both Hamilton County Schools and Gordon Lee in Chickamauga.
In the following years, he worked as a consultant for Learning Focused Schools and taught at Chattanooga State.
Ron lovingly volunteered his time as an advocate for special needs children in education. He spent his life in service to others becoming a chaplain at Erlanger Hospital.
Ron was the happiest when working in God’s service and cheering for his Tennessee Vols.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Swicegood and nephew, Lewie Swicegood.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret Phillips; son, Jeronnie “JJ” Phillips Jr; brother-in-law, Alan Swicegood; sister-in-law, Pat Hiskey (Bernie); nieces, Heather Banken (Jimmy), Debbie Gallagher (Jim), and Tina Strong; several great-nieces, nephews, cousins; and dear close friends, Mandy and Miguel Medina, Martha and Chris Usher, and Grace and Pat Davis.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Thomas Quissenberry and Chaplain Pat Davis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Children’s Hospital at Erlanger (www.webelieve.build), First Baptist Church of Chattanooga Homeless Ministry (www.fbcchattanooga.org).
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences with the family.
The family will receive friends from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.