Thomas R. Phillips

Mr. Thomas R. Phillips, 65, of Thurmont, Maryland, died at home on his birthday, July 30, after an extended battle with cancer.

He was the beloved husband of Taysie Arthe' Monroe Phillips, loving father of James V. Monroe and Daniel D. Monroe, adored son of Alice Elizabeth (Betty) Kinsey Phillips and Albert (Flips) T. Phillips (who preceded him in death), and loving brother of Albert E. Phillips of Baltimore, Maryland. Tom was an adoring grandfather to James' children: Brittany, Brandon and Samantha Monroe.

Tom was born July 30, 1944 at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney, Maryland. He graduated from Wheaton High School. He was of an entrepreneurial spirit, owning at one time a ski shop in Rockville and then in his later years Hour Printer shops in Silver Spring, Landover and Rockville.

In his early years, Tom was of an adventuresome spirit. He piloted Cessnas around the Caribbean, skied many a Rocky Mountain Black Diamond slope on Ski Patrol, became a certified scuba diver, and raced motorcycle dirt tracks, including the Barbara Fritchie Fourth of July race. He lived for a time in Allentown, PA and Tulsa, OK. He spent several years living in Africa as a regional manager for Mack Trucks.

Tom was a member of Centennial Memorial United Methodist Church, as well as Damascus Road Community Church. Tom grew in his life to love his Lord Jesus with all his heart. He felt like his crowning achievement was being one of the founding members of The Waterboyz for Jesus and recently experienced great joy singing with the Waterboyz at DRCC on Father's Day this past June.

Tom loved his many dogs, especially Homer and Hubba, who accompanied him everywhere. Tom was a gregarious, out-going extrovert, who truly loved parties and get-togethers. He was an excellent cook; many would consider him a foodie. Tom also greatly enjoyed children. He acted as Santa's Helper at many events around Frederick, often entertaining children with magic tricks and balloon animals. Tom's life revolved around the church and especially his calling in the Waterboyz for Jesus.

Friends are welcome at the family home on Fish Hatchery Road after the interment for a reception celebrating Tom's life.

As is done in New Orleans, Tom's favorite city, we hope that after mourning his loss, everyone will come together to rejoice for him that he is in a better place.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th at the Phillips residence at 6538 Fish Hatchery Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Services: Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5th, at Centennial Memorial United Church, 8 West 2nd Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Officiating will be the Rev. George Earl and the Rev. Mike Albro. Tom's request is for all of his Waterboyz friends to wear their Waterboyz t-shirts and for all his other guests to wear casual clothes.
Interment will be at Lewistown Mount Prospect Cemetery (the little red church on the hill, as it's locally known), immediately after the church service.