David B. Phillips, 66, of Wiscasset, passed away at his home on Oct. 9 with Carol, his life partner, and their devoted children by his side.
David was born on May 28, 1944 at Bath Memorial Hospital in Bath, a son of William J. and Cynthia L. Chaney Phillips.
David spent his childhood in Woolwich, until he entered the U.S. Navy on Sept. 5, 1962. He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt CV-42, which was home ported in Mayport, Fla., where he was a catapult spotter on the flight deck. He was deployed to Europe on two Mediterranean cruises and one deployment during the Cuban Crisis. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1966. From 1978 until 1983 he was a member of the Maine Army National Guard’s Transportation Unit #1133, stationed in Brunswick.
On Dec. 7, 1963 he married Carol A. (Doyle) Phillips and they continued to be devoted and loving soul mates until his death. Their song was “Lavender Blue.” Carol and their daughter Tina and son David were proud to honor his request to die at home and with the help of Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, they became his caregivers.
He attended Woolwich Central School and graduated from the 8th grade there. He was in the first 1st grade class to enter the school when it first opened. He graduated from Morse High School in Bath in June 1962.
After his discharge from the Navy, he and Carol purchased his parents’ grocery store, Bill’s Grocery Store in Woolwich, which they owned for five years. He and Carol also owned the Triple R Tavern in Bath. After selling the tavern, he went to work at Bath Iron Works, first as a first class welder and later as a layout man at the Hardings Plant. He was the owner of Juniper Ledge Landscaping and Property Maintenance for 11 years, and took great pride in his ability to bring the perfection and beauty of nature to a lawn, garden or walkway. For a time, he was a sternman on a lobster boat.
In retirement, some of his greatest joys were working in his garden and yard, sharing time with his children, grandchildren and beloved pets. He became a very close friend with Tom Elliot, a member of the DAV, who transported him on many occasions to his doctor appointments at the Togus Veterans Hospital. Their friendship resulted in David and son, David, volunteering to build wheelchair ramps for disabled vets. He felt a veteran should never have to go without comforts deserved. He had a huge heart filled with compassion for those in need.
He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics. One of his favorite TV shows was about gold prospecting. He also loved to go fishing on Moosehead and Spencer lakes with his son, David. He could carry on an energetic and intelligent conversation on many subjects.
He was an avid reader of fiction, history and biographies. He loved listening to the radio and preferred rock, country and the golden oldies.
His favorite meal was a homemade cheeseburger with hand cut fries.
He leaves behind his beloved family, Carol; their children Tina M. Thurlow of Bath, and David S. Phillips and wife Kristina of Woolwich; brother, William P. Phillips and wife Carolyn of West Bath; sisters, Cathy L. Shoemaker of Whittier, N.C. and Cynthia A. Barter and husband Richard of Brunswick; precious grandchildren, Brandon Lee Thurlow of Lisbon Falls, Gavin Scott Phillips, Camden Doyle Phillips, and Kegan Garrett Phillips; and great-grandson, Nikolas Phillip Thurlow.
His last wish was to come home and sit in his back yard with his loyal and devoted companions, Molly, his 13 year old Chocolate Lab, and Millie, his 11 year old money cat. He loved animals and nature and cherished every moment he had with them.
His family requests any donations made in his memory be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, American Cancer Society or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice.
Graveside service with military honors was Oct. 13 at the Riverside Cemetery in Day’s Ferry, Woolwich. Services were conducted by Andrew Sullivan of the Corliss Street Baptist Church.
If you would like to share your thoughts and condolences with David’s family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are being handled by David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath.
