David Ewing Phillips, 75, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, passed away on August 3, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee. David was born on September 17, 1950, to the late “Sis” and Pauline Phillips.
For 46 years, David faithfully worked at the Wickliffe Paper Mill, where his dedication and strong work ethic earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike. His commitment to serving others extended far beyond his career. He proudly served as Mayor of Wickliffe for eight years, a role he truly loved. David was deeply civic-minded and found great joy in working to improve the community he loved. His service and leadership reflected his genuine desire to help others, and he was honored to be named a Kentucky Colonel.
Above every title and accomplishment, David treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather whose greatest happiness came from caring for those he loved. He was a true caregiver in every sense of the word. For many years, he lovingly cared for his wife and daughter without hesitation or complaint, making sure they never questioned how deeply they were loved or how faithfully he would be there for them. No burden was ever too heavy for him to help carry, and if someone he loved had a problem, David wanted to fix it. He loved fiercely and selflessly, always putting his family’s needs before his own. His family was the center of his world, and they knew without question that they were deeply loved. David’s family also finds comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue through a great-grandson on the way, who will proudly carry his middle name.
His Christian faith was the foundation of his life. As a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Church in Cairo, Illinois, David lived out his beliefs through kindness, compassion, and steadfast love for others. For the past 15 years, he faithfully sent a daily devotion to his grandchildren, a simple but powerful expression of his desire to share God’s Word and encourage them in their faith. Those daily messages will remain a treasured reminder of his enduring love.
David never met a stranger. Friendly, welcoming, and genuinely interested in others, he was known and respected throughout the community. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a conversation, or simply making someone smile, he had a way of making people feel valued. He also had a lifelong love for music, which brought him great joy and added to the warmth he shared with everyone around him.
David’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him. His family feels the tremendous loss of the man who was their protector, provider, encourager, and constant source of strength. Though their hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing his legacy of faith, love, generosity, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.
David is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jackie Phillips; two daughters, Andrea (Howie) Phillips Stevens of Nolensville, Tennessee, and Codie Phillips of Wickliffe; and three grandchildren, Allie (Johnny) Cerisano, Gabbie Stevens, and Connor Stevens.
He is preceded in death by his two brothers, Paul Phillips and Tony Phillips; and his parents.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Easterseals of Western Kentucky, 1908 N. 14th St., Paducah, KY 42001; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.
A private ceremony for the family will take place at a later date.
The family encourages anyone to write a message or a memory about David at www.milnerandorr.com.
