Ronald Lloyd Phillips

Ronald Lloyd Phillips, age 85 (b. 30 September, 1935, d. 7 February, 2021) 
 
Born in Kansas City, Missouri to devoted parents Lloyd and Thelma Phillips; respected eldest brother to John (Linda) and Sherre (Bill); loving husband of 59 years to Sandra K. Phillips; proud father to sons Sean (Linda), Patrick (Sue), and Keith (Katie); and endearing grandfather (“Grumpy!”) to Katherine, Ryan, Allison, Sam, Joey, and Anna.  
 
Ron was a Mechanical Engineer and Registered U.S. Patent Attorney who spent 32 years with General Motors Legal Staff in Detroit, Michigan, as a senior attorney focused on intellectual property rights. A graduate of Kansas University, George Washington University, and University of Detroit, he taught both mechanical engineering and law, and held patents covering a wide spectrum of automotive and related inventions. Before and after retiring from GM, Ron formed “Jeron Quarter-Scale Classics,” a family company that designed and built vintage Grand Prix race car models in fully running, precision quarter-scale. Ron served proudly as Board President of the Fowler Center in Michigan, which continues to provide year-round camping experiences for children and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs. He also helmed the St. Clair Yacht Club on the Detroit River, serving as Commodore and widely renown “Party Chairman!” After moving to Charleston, SC, and continuing his patent law practice representing GM and other car and truck manufacturing companies, he designed and manufactured a variety of unique miniature pin-fire guns he sold as collectables under his own “Charleston Mini Gunworks” brand. Owing to his automotive passion since childhood, he designed and built his one of a kind, ultra eclectic Model T/Bugatti influenced hotrod that he affectionately named “Invictus.” Ever giving of his time and advice, he participated in the Young Inventors program, showcasing tech ingenuity and inventions for students in local Charleston schools. Ron lived his hard-working, ever-positive “don’t complain and don’t explain” life’s mantra to the fullest, together with the love of his life, Sandy.  Always looking out for others in his unique and charming style, he remains much beloved by his family and life-long friends in the Detroit and Charleston area who will sorely miss his truly engaging, infectious, and warmhearted personality. “Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!” Rest in peace, Pops. 

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