Rodney “Rod” Max Phillips, age 69, departed this life on June 2, 2023, at Savannah Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga.
Rod was born in Elkins, to the late Corder Phillips, Jr., and Opal Myers Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Margie” Phillips, and his two sons, Dr. Wesley Phillips (Claire) and Drew Phillips (Katy). He is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Arwin, Kendall, and River, and his precious grandson, Luke.
Rod was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor to many who sought his advice.
In 2008, he retired from his position as director of circulation and marketing at The Dominion Post. While employed at The Dominion Post, he led a team that earned a total of 18 international, national, regional and state awards. In his role at the newspaper, Rod and his team initiated various programs that enhanced town/gown relationships, created integrated marketing campaigns for the United Way, provided complimentary newspapers to public school students, and raised funds to support the local Read Aloud program.
After his retirement, he managed various real estate projects, including acting as general contractor in building a new home for his family in Morgantown. Rod was honored that the home he built was featured in a national publication as an “Ideal home.”
In 2014, Rod and his wife retired to South Carolina and together spearheaded the start of a new WVU Alumni chapter on Hilton Head Island. The Palmetto Chapter WVU Alumni and Friends was a labor of love for not only the Phillips, but also for the Chapter Board of Directors, whose members became the much-loved close friends of the Phillips, as did many of the chapter members.
The Chapter honored Rod in July of this year by renaming the Chapter’s college scholarship fund the Rodney M. Phillips Chapter Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established to support a student from South Carolina attending WVU. For those who would like to make a contribution to this scholarship fund, donations may be sent to WVU Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1650, One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, Morgantown, WV 26507.
Per Rod’s request, his ashes will be spread in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina during a private service for the immediate family.
