Ronnie Phillips

Minister Ronnie Lee Phillips was born on September 21, 1957, in Denver, Colorado to his parents, JP Phillips and Gracie Mae Gilkey. He was the first of six children born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his younger siblings. Being the oldest, he had to assume the duty and care of his younger siblings which included dressing, bathing, and feeding them. He mainly cared for Diane and Shanda. He received his early education by attending the Denver Public School system.

Ronnie enlisted in the United States Army on November 29, 1979. He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged.

A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Ronnie accepted the Lord as his personal savior at a very early age. He joined Campbell Memorial COGIC under the pastoral leadership of the late Bishop L.A. Jordan. He served his church in any way he could. He traveled by the church in the big church bus, singing with the choir. He loved singing and praising the Lord until the whole church joined in. He later transferred his membership to Evangelist Temple COGIC under the pastoral leadership of the late Superintendent J.L. Washington, whom he lovingly called "Dad or Pope." He truly loved his church and his church family. He maintained a strong closeness with the Washington Family over the years. Whenever Dad needed to travel, Ron didn't mind stepping in and did the driving for him. He did so without hesitation. In the Washington house, he was treated as a son alongside Mother Washington and his extended family sisters, A.J., Tara, and Joel-lyn. Ronnie directed, sang, and played in many choirs including the District and State of Colorado Choirs. He was the founder of the Gospel Music Awards in Denver for many years. This award ceremony honored many singers, musicians, and community leaders. Ronnie relocated to Dallas, Texas and joined Lighthouse COGIC under the pastoral leadership of Superintendent Michael O. Clerkly and First Lady Clair Clerkly. He served faithfully until his health began to decline.

In May of 1991, Ronnie met the love of his life, Darnell "Dee" Smith while on a church trip in Kansas City, Missouri. They exchanged vows on July 12, 1992, in the home of his mother in Denver, Colorado. With this union, he became the father of Shawn and Derron. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. Ronnie loved family time, great food, singing, playing the piano, traveling, and without a doubt, DRESSING. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Ronnie was to love him.

He is preceded in death by his father, JP Phillips; his grandparents, Melvin and Grace Gilkey; a brother, Charley Ward; uncles, James and RC Gilkey; a niece, Deanna Coleman; and his spiritual father, Supt. J.L. Washington.

Minister Ronnie Lee Phillips departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on February 27, 2019, in Dallas, Texas. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his mother, Gracie M. Gilkey of Denver, Colorado; 2 brothers, Lonnie (Denise) Phillips of Denver and Calvin O. Alexander of Cheyenne, Wyoming; 4 sisters, Dianna Coleman of Denver, Colorado, Shanda (Albert) Lewis, Jr. of Aurora, Colorado, and Shameka (Jonathan) House of Denver, Colorado, Sharmine Chapman of Denver, Colorado; his sons, Pastor Shawn (Felecia) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri and Derron L. (Lillie) Smith of Denver. Colorado; 6 grandchildren, Emmanuel, Brandon, Elijah, De'Jon, Nyree, and De'Vion; his god mother, Colorado Jurisdictional Supervisor of Woman for the COGIC, Mother Bertha A Washington; his god sisters, Tara (Michael) Washington Everette, Ajuanya "AJ" Washington, Joel-Lyn (Joseph) McCormick, Esquires; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

Visitation : March 10, 2019 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : March 11, 2019 10:00 am

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Interment : March 11, 2019 1:30 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 S Sheridan Blvd
Denver, CO 80235

Reception : March 11, 2019 2:30 pm

Pipkin Braswell
6601 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220