Greenville – Robert Rufus (Peter Rabbit) Phillips, Sr., 84, died Saturday, September 9, 2023 at his residence in Greenville. Born April 23, 1939 in Greenville, he was a member of The Pentecostal Church Of God In Christ in Greenville and was a dedicated Coal Miner at the River Queen Mines as a dozer, truck driver and shooter.
“Peter Rabbit” was the third of five children and raised in Greenville. He married Helen Louise Samuels on March 24, 1958 in Madisonville. They were married for 65 wonderful years and had five children Robert Jr., Shirley, Tony, Jeff, and Angela.
He was an avid fisherman, sports fan, hunter and newspaper reader. Robert had an incredible work ethic at River Queen Mines for 20 plus years with a stellar attendance during rain, sleet or snow. Most of all he enjoyed seeing his family gather together and grow over the years.
His parents, Robert Lincoln Phillips and Margaret Bard Phillips; two brothers George Thomas Phillips and Marion Ellis Phillips; one sister, Betty Lou Gregory; one granddaughter, Brianna Shar-dai Phillips; one son-in-law-, Pastor Archie Grimmett Jr., all preceded him in death.
Survivors include a loving wife Helen Phillips of Greenville; three sons Robert ( Madaline) Phillips of Lexington, Tony ( Libby) Phillips of Madisonville, and Jeff Phillips of Nicholasville, Ky.; two daughters Shirley Austin of Greenville, and Dr. Angela Grimmett of Clarksville, Tenn.; four grandchildren Kelsey, Tashaunda, Jessica and Benjamin; two great grandchildren Zarianna and Jalaiah; one sister Mary Ann (James) Bell of Russellville; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services are Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at The Pentecostal Church Of God In Christ, 210 South Boggess Ave in Greenville. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until time of service. Burial will be in West End Cemetery in Greenville with Dr. Angela Louise Grimmett, Eulogist. Bibbs Funeral Home in Greenville is in charge of arrangements.
