Russell E. Phillips

Russell E. Phillips, 93, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Henry Community Health. He was born on December 16, 1932, in Albany, Kentucky, a son of the late Estell and Cora (Key) Phillips. Russell was a graduate of Clinton County High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. On October 22, 1959, Russell married the love of his life, Ina Guffey, and together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. He worked for Modernfold in New Castle before spending the majority of his career at Allegheny Ludlum Corporation, where he retired in 1993. Even in retirement, Russell remained active, greatly enjoying the time he spent helping his son at Capital Machinery Systems. Russell was a member of American Legion Post #137 and the United Steel Workers. He had a love for life that showed in the things he enjoyed—whether it was water skiing and boating on Dale Hollow Lake or watching NASCAR and attending races at Mt. Lawn Speedway. He treasured time spent with his family and was always bragging about Ina’s cooking. Russell never missed a single one of his grandchildren’s sporting events, no matter how far away the games were held; he could be counted on to be present. He will be remembered as an outgoing, kind, and thoughtful man who truly cared for others. Russell had a servant’s heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He always had a cup of coffee in hand, a smile on his face, and a joke ready to share. His steady presence, warm spirit, and genuine love for people made a lasting impression on all who knew him. Those left to cherish Russell’s memory include his devoted wife, Ina Phillips; his son, Russ (Kirstin) Phillips of Pendleton; his daughter, Carolyn (Stan) Brown of Anderson; nine grandchildren, Nick Phillips, Dalton Phillips, Gabi (Ethan) Wiedenhoeft, Nathan Phillips, Vincent Phillips, Adrienne (Matthew) Jones, Sylvia, Tessa, and Ava Kate Phillips; a great-grandson, Archie Wiedenhoeft; four sisters, Jenita Farr, Judy Thrasher, Jane McWhorter, and Joyce (Maldon) Shelley; a brother, Tommy Phillips; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Mae Phillips and Jean Cooksey. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Douglas officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens with military funeral honors conducted by contingents with the US Army, the American Legion, and the VFW. Friends may call from 4:00–8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Russell E. Phillips.

Tributes

Russell E. Phillips

December 16, 1932 - April 15, 2026