Randall “Skeeter” Kent Phillips, Sr. 86, of Goode, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday September 29, 2026. He was the beloved husband to the late Lavaughn Wooden Phillips, to whom he was married for 63 years,  and the son of the late Marshall Orion Phillips and Ruby Cecil Owen Phillips.

Born on July 11, 1940, in Bedford County, Virginia, Skeeter was a talented man who could make or fix just about anything. He especially enjoyed woodworking and even built his family’s home from the ground up. He was knowledgeable, patient, and a great teacher who was always willing to lend a helping hand. As a young man, Skeeter began fixing cars in his in-laws’ garage. With encouragement from his wife, he went on to start Phillips Wheel Alignment, creating a lasting legacy in the Lynchburg community.

Skeeter enjoyed golfing, camping, hunting, and especially bird hunting. He was quite the baseball player in his younger years and played as a pitcher. He remained a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and later coached his son, Kent. He also enjoyed spending time at home and in his later years watching Gunsmoke. Skeeter was easygoing, caring, and thoughtful, and almost always had a smile on his face. He was a familiar face at the Texas Inn and they named the “Skeeter Dog” for him. Above all, he loved his family and was always there to support his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who was always willing to help others.

Skeeter is survived by his daughter, Sherry Phillips Dean and her husband, Jeffrey; his son, Randall "Kent" Phillips, Jr. and his wife, Connie; his grandchildren, Randall Kent Phillips, III “Trey”, and Ellen Phillips; and numerous extended family members and devoted friends throughout the community.

In addition to his wife and parents, Skeeter was preceded in death by his siblings, Murrell “Fip” Phillips, Sherwood Phillips, and Patricia “Trish” Hargis.

The family would like to thank caregivers Sheila Irving and Marion Haynes for the kindness and care they showed to Skeeter and his family.

A funeral service celebrating Skeeter's life will be held on Monday, October 5th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Road United Methodist Church with Rev. Hunter Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692, The American Cancer Association P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or Forest Road United Methodist Church 2805 Old Forest Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.