Steven L. “S.L.” Phillips, age 62, of Freeport, Florida, and a former resident of Vinton County, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013, following a brief illness, at the Mt. Carmel West Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was born July 25, 1951 in Berlin Crossroads, Ohio to the late Orville L. and Louella G. (Argabright) Phillips.
Steve was a 1969 graduate of Vinton County High School. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1974. Steve was an air traffic controller at Port Columbus International Airport before retiring in 2007. Steve was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed watching football and basketball games, especially the Vinton County Vikings. He also enjoyed keeping in touch with his friends on Facebook. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Steve is survived by his wife, Joyce Ratcliff Phillips, whom he married on December 29, 1973; his son, Joseph L. Phillips of Freeport, Florida; his precious granddaughter, “Stinky” Ava Marie Phillips, of Freeport, Florida; brothers, Randy (Tami) Phillips of Wellston and Danny Phillips of Hamden; sisters, Bonnie Huston of Wellston and Sharon (Fred) Campbell of Wyandotte, Michigan; sister-in-law, Darla (Jim) Bowers of Chillicothe, as well as several nieces, nephews, special friend, Ilene Seitz of McArthur and his loyal canine companion, Batman.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother, Dean Phillips.
Calling hours will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2013, at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Mr. Lyle Welty officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association, 1950 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43228. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.