A lifetime of service and honor

Lolita Harper

Ray Hinson Phillips was a man of loyal service.

He lived in a time when people were devoted to their companies --

turning a job into a lifelong career. He lived in a time when

military duty was expected; a duty that was taken with honor.

Phillips died Wednesday at the Mesa Verde Convalescent Hospital on

Center Street in Costa Mesa, where he spent the last six months of

his life. He was 79.

The nurses at Mesa Verde Convalescent home described him as polite

and talkative. He had opinions. He had spunk, they said.

“He was a real sweet guy, a real nice guy,” said nurse Linda

Yarbrough.

While Phillips held a place in the hearts of the nurses, his true

fans were his granddaughters, Sharon and Lauren Phillips, who spent

hours by his side at the home. The women visited him regularly to

read and chat with their grandfather.

Phillips attended from Chaffey High School in Ontario, one of the

oldest and largest -- 65 acres -- in Southern California. After

graduating, he joined the Army Air Corps serving in World War II.

Following his military service, Phillips worked for, and retired

from, Phillip Morris after 37 years.

He lived throughout the Southern California region; in Fontana for

15 years and Newport Beach for 19; before moving to the convalescent

home in his last months.

Faith was always important to Phillips, who was a member of

Mariners Church in Irvine.

Yarbrough said he was “adored” and would be missed.