A Life Story

The Rev. Wendell Roncevalle Phillips, a retired Episcopal priest serving in the Diocese of Georgia, died peacefully at his home on July 4, 2026, at the age of 87. During his long ministry, Father Phillips served St. George’s in Astoria, NY; Holy Trinity in Whitefish, Montana; St. Paul’s and St. Matthew’s in Salisbury, NC; St. Michael and All Angels in Charlotte, NC.; and most recently, at the age of 87, as a supply priest at St. Matthew’s in Savannah, GA. Born in New Rochelle, New York, he faced challenging obstacles at the age of 9 when a coma and high fever from measles encephalitis left him with uncontrolled epileptic seizures and a long road back to normal life. He eventually overcame every obstacle, graduating with honors from Denison University, earning an MDiv from General Seminary and entering ordained ministry as an Episcopal priest in 1966. Father Phillips was an inspired preacher, an accomplished organist, and most of all a survivor, who had great compassion and mercy for those who were dealing with the struggles and challenges of life. He was a pastor and friend to many who had been dealt defeating blows, seeing the face of Jesus in the faces of the poor, orphaned and outcast. He was slow to anger, quick to forgive, lighthearted and unusually adept at spinning a good pun. He was never without a favorite book, pressed shirt, raincoat, or tuneful harmony for any occasion. In his final years he was beloved by those he comforted with music in nursing homes and enjoyed hosting neighbors for Christmas carols around the organ in his living room. Wendell was a good and gentle man who loved his family dearly. Having given his life to Jesus at a Billy Graham crusade in the 1950s, and having run the race set before him, his eternal life has now begun. Well done good and faithful servant. He is survived by his sons Jonathan Lindsay Phillips, Savannah, GA; The Rev. Thomas Morgan Phillips, Melbourne, FL; four grandchildren Luke, Anna, Sonny, and Bobb; his loving wife of 54 years Linda, and his sister Andrée (Dan) Conklin of Milford, NY. He was preceded in death by a brother, Morgan Phillips, and his parents, Marguerite and the Rev. Canon Wendell W. Phillips, D.D. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmaus House, 18 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401, or any organization that will help someone in need. A Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced.