Funeral services were held on 10/07/2022 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, with a burial following at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.
Bobby began his earthly journey on August 5, 1946, in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. He and his twin, Bettie Ree Phillips, were born to Carl and Allie B. Phillips. They were 2 out of 11 children. In 1952, Carl and Allie relocated their family to San Diego, CA. Bobby was a natural athlete who excelled at several sports but was particularly gifted as a Forward on Lincoln High School’s varsity basketball team (1963-65). Soon after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and received an Honorable Discharge in 1968. One day on base at Fort Ord, he met an incredibly smart and beautiful young woman as she was walking to a babysitting job. That young lady was Darlene Bigham, whom Bobby married in 1968.
Bobby dedicated the last 35 years to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Served as a Deacon, Trustee, Chairman of the Pastor’s Anniversary Committee, Sunday School teacher, member of the Men’s Choir, and Sound Technician. Serving God was at the center of Bobby’s adult life. In the early ’90s, he began singing with the gospel group Mighty Wings (later known as The Mighty Wings of Faith). He later co-founded the popular gospel group The Brothers of Praise Phase II (f/k/a The Brothers of Praise) and served as President.
Bobby built a long career with San Diego Gas & Electric, where he worked from 1972 until his retirement in 2009. Bobby was the recipient of numerous “Pride in Performance” letters which were written by customers who wanted to express their appreciation for his patience, knowledge, and expertise.
Bobby is mourned by his loving wife Darlene Phillips; children: Subrina, Carl (Carrie Trevino-Phillips), and Stephannie Phillips; grandchildren: Xavier Robert-Ree Greer and Kalel Kenarsie-Damon Phillips; great-grandchildren: Kali, Xavier Jr. and King Greer; siblings: Dorothy Murphy (James Arthur) and Johnette Phillips (Wayne Allison); sister-in-law Clara Phillips; brother-in-law Charles Huntington; and a host of extended family members. His siblings who predeceased him: Mary Alice Wilson, Vernella Jean Ceasar, Arthur and Otha Phillips (twins), Mary Ruth Garner, Bettie Ree Huntington, George and James Phillips (twins).
