Stephen Phillips

Stephen Adair Phillips, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. Stephen was born July, 18 1948, in Owensboro, Kentucky to Jean and Drexel Phillips.

Stephen attended Kentucky Southern and University of Louisville, where he was president of the TKE fraternity. He enjoyed a lifelong career in business development. Stephen was COO of Madison's, Inc., (Columbus, OH), a women's apparel group; Founder and CEO of PJ Phillips, Inc,. a regional retail chain; and CEO of the Gilmore Brothers, Inc., (Kalamazoo, MI), department store and chain apparel stores.

Stephen lived his last year with family in Columbus and with the great care of many special people at the Wesley Glen Community. Marietta, Georgia, was his home for the 7 years prior, where he was a member of The Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, and past president of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew. His faith was a beacon for many who knew him.

Stephen is survived by his mother Jean Phillips; daughter Audra Phillips and husband Jim Roberts; brother Stuart Phillips and wife Robin; grandchildren Tyler Phillips-Bond and Wilson Roberts; former wife, PJ Phillips Dhuyvetter and husband Steve; nephews Jordan Phillips and wife Morgan, and Stephen Phillips and fiancée Lindsay. As well as many friends, family, and co-workers who enjoyed his generous smile, humor, kindness and caring spirit.

A memorial service will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Church, in Columbus, Ohio. The service will be held on Tuesday, December 20th, at 3:30pm. A future celebration of life will be held in Marietta, GA and a graveside memorial for the interment of his ashes in Fordsville, KY. Dates to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Stephen's name to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center at giving.case.edu/give.