Bruce Phillips

Bruce Foster Phillips, 70, of Signal Mountain, passed away Nov. 15, 2016, after several years of failing health. He was born Aug. 2, 1946, in Gallipolis, Ohio to the late Wilfred B. "Bill" Phillips and Carrie Jane Kelley Phillips. Bruce was a 1964 graduate of Wellston Ohio High School, and played Golden Rockets football and basketball, where he had the distinction of being the co-captain of both teams his senior year. He attended Muskingum College on a football scholarship. Bruce was a military veteran of the U.S. Army, having been stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era. He lived for more than 20 years in Chicago, Ill., and retired following 30 years of dedicated employment as a power engineering professional, having worked on nuclear abatement at Oak Ridge, Tenn., which brought him to the Chattanooga area in 1987. Bruce had a magnificent singing voice, enjoyed writing poetry, was an avid sports fan, enjoyed traveling and adventure, and delighted in a festive party with family and friends. He was baptized in the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston, and attended Signal Mountain St. Augustine Catholic Church. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Zofia Gruszecka Phillips, who lovingly and patiently cared for him at home until his recent hospitalization. He is also survived by his niece, Alexandra Gruszecka and nephew, Max Gruszecki; five siblings, Maxx Phillips, of Wellston, Ohio, Kathy Walburn (Larry), of Wellston, Robert Phillips (Paulette), of Wellston, Brook Phillips (Debbie), of Jackson, Ohio, and Kim Frisby (Gregg), of Yorktown, Va. He is also survived by Zofia's siblings, Antoni Gruszecki (Barbara), Elzbieta Pieczulajtis (Jurek), Artur Gruszecki (Ewa), and Roman Gruszecki (Franciszek (Nina)) of Poland, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Wilfred Barrington "Barry" Phillips Jr., and Michael Kelley Phillips, as well as his maternal grandparents, Ernest and Florence Kelley, with whom he was very close. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Father Mike Nolan officiating, followed by burial with military honors. Procession to the site will leave from Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37343 at 11:05 a.m. and attendees are asked to meet at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of his life at the Pinnacle from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Care Facility, 4411 Oakwood Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37416 in memory of Bruce. Visit www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com to share words of condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation services, 4506 Hixson Pike, 423-531-3975.