Byron E. Phillips, 96, of Morgantown, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Sundale Nursing Home.
He was born on March 21, 1927, in Blacksville, son of the late Joseph and Bertha (Gregowski) Phillips.
A long-term resident of Morgantown, Byron was a businessman, who started his career in 1949 as a New York Life Insurance (NYL) insurance agent and retired in March of 2014. Byron received numerous awards and accolades during his career with NYL and received the highest honor by earning a lifetime membership into the Million Dollar Round Table. When he wasn’t working 40 plus hours a week at his office in the Monongahela Building, Byron could often be found meeting clients at small diners, and ice cream parlors writing out the benefits of a Life Insurance Policy on a napkin or paper placemat and would always leave with an ice cream cone to go. Additionally, Byron was also the owner/builder of MJH Development Corporation in Morgantown.
Byron was an avid golfer, as well as one of the founding members of The Pines Country Club, which opened its doors to members in 1970. He was an active member and volunteered his time to The Lions Club for over 40 years, as well as The Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Morgantown. He was also a car enthusiast owning several 1965 Ford Mustangs, and his prized possession was his 1960 Morris Minor.
Upon retirement, Byron and his wife moved to San Angelo, Texas, where they were active members of the Rio Concho West Community. With daily tee times, and a relaxed lifestyle, they made many friends, but never forgot the hills of West Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Cecile; his brother, Marion of Canada; four children, Linda Dandeo, Yvonne Phillips, both of Morgantown, Lisa Mc Millen and spouse, Douglas, of Versailles, Ky., as well as Bradley Phillips and spouse, Mary Floyd of Ormond Beach, Fla.; two stepchildren, Kathy Royston and spouse, Dennis of Denver, Colo., as well as David Kohlase and spouse, Celia, of Weslaco, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe, Alex, Colonel, Robert and Jimmy; as well as his first wife, Helen Rose.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m. with Rev. Bart Thompson officiating. A graveside committal service will be held at Blacksville Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bart Thompson officiating, and full military funeral rites conducted by the U.S. Navy and VFW #9916. The family will receive friends for a reception to continue to celebrate his life on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Pines Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Clay Battelle Senior Center, PO Box 176, Blacksville, WV 26521.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
