After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Paul David “Pete” Phillips, 78, of Ashland, KY, went to be with his heavenly father on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Ashland Community Hospice in Ashland, KY. He was born in Portsmouth, OH, on August 7, 1947, a son of the late Charles and Myrtle Sexton Phillips.

Pete graduated from McKell High School in South Shore, Kentucky, where he grew up. He was a proud United States Navy Veteran. After earning a bachelor's degree from Ohio University, he worked as the Youth Service Center Coordinator at Greenup County High School.

Pete was a strong and kind man who truly embraced, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He enjoyed a good story and making other people laugh. He loved Kentucky, fishing, sports, the beach, and most of all spending time with his family. Pete attended Christ's Community Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. His favorite charities are Sierra's Haven and Hospice.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, Jean (Paul) Webb; three brothers, Robert, Ralph, and John Phillips; and one grandson, August Paul Phillips.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Rebecca Weaver Phillips; two children, Alisha Phillips of Grayson, KY, and Sean (Jill) Phillips of Lexington, KY. Two stepchildren, Nate (Rebekah) Weaver of Russell, KY, and Ali (Max) Liles of Wheelersburg, OH; four grandchildren whom he adored, Cooper Liles, Bowen Liles, Archer Rowe, Kai Liles; and several other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

At Pete’s request, the family will have a private Celebration of Life.