Obituary | Rogers Phillips | Bradshaw & Range Funeral Home PC (2024)

Rogers Phillips was born to sharecroppers Lenora and James Phillips on October 6, 1938. Rogers served in the U.S. Army in the 1950’s and after his discharge, he moved to Evanston Illinois. In 1959 through his persistency to acquire employment with Shawnee Service Center, Rogers was finally given that opportunity by owner Sam Marvin. Rogers was 21 years old at that time and extremely grateful for the opportunity. He started out washing cars and cleaning and upkeeping the shop inside and out. Rogers in his own words said, “I wanted to impress them by working hard” and that he did by performing his job with excellence. After a few years of hard work and dedication, Rogers work ethics was noticed by owner Sam Marvin who offered Rogers the opportunity to learn to be an auto mechanic. Rogers observed with curiosity and learned quickly. He first learned how to do oil changes, then brakes, and then tune ups. In no time Rogers was performing full mechanical vehicle repairs. This position which started in 1959 led to six decades of service to Shawnee Service Center and the Wilmette community. Rogers happy personality, welcoming smile, and professionalism made him liked and appreciated by the customers. He quickly became some of the customer’s choice mechanic. To many of the customers Rogers not only performed mechanical services to the customers but also offered his listening ear to many. He would listen patiently to their problems and concerns and offer his encouraging words, opinions, and advice. He was a true loyal friend and confidant to many. He was once jokingly told “You should start charging for your counseling services” at which Rogers would just laugh. Rogers impacted and positively touched everyone’s life he encountered. He was always willing to help anyone in anyway he could. He believed in treating others how he would want to be treated. When asked by customers how was his day or how he was doing, he would respond with his favorite sayings “I woke up this morning so it’s a good day”. On June 18, 1961, Rogers and Carrie were joined together in Holy Matrimony. Their union produced five children. Rogers Jr., Calvin, Derrick, Michael, and his only daughter Kimberly Phillips-Campbell. He was dedicated to his wife, marriage, and children. Sadly, his wife Carrie preceded him in death in 2018. His son Derrick also preceded him in death in 2021. Rogers was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, stepfather and friend. His family was more important to him than life itself. He loved his family and understood his role in each of their lives. He dedicated his life to working hard and providing their needs to the best of his ability. On February 15, 2019, Rogers was given a second chance at love when he married his long-time friend of 29 years, Arva Gillett. Rogers lived his life with a heart of gratitude. He always verbally expressed how grateful he was to get a second chance at love at 79 years of age. He believed he was given a second chance and was determined to live life to the fullest. He was determined to change the things he could change and be at peace with the things he could not undo. He was determined to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. He planned to take road trips to visit his daughter and granddaughters. Unfortunately, life and circ*mstances beyond his control did not allow his desires to be manifested. Rogers started by decreasing his workload from six days a week to five days a week. Rogers took full advantage of his weekends off by doing all the things he loved and enjoyed. Everyone knows that Rogers was a talker and a great conversationist. He loved sharing stories of his life experiences. He would lay awake talking with his wife until the wee hours of the morning, binge watch movies until the wee hours of the morning, listening and dancing to their favorite songs, working on his boat with his grandson, fishing, camping, long motorcycle rides, or simply just enjoying being catered to by his wife, while he relaxed and watch his favorite sports football. Unfortunately, a year and a half ago, Rogers health began to decline. He was in and out of the hospital periodically. However, even after Rogers received negative reports from his doctors, he remained optimistic. He believed he would recover and that he’d bounce back to optimum health. He continued to live life by making the best of his situation. He remained humble and grateful for everyday of life he was given. His favorite statement was “When the almighty God is ready for me, I am ready because I have lived a good life and for that, I am grateful”. Rogers fought a good fight. The almighty God heard his cry, saw his needs and decided to give him his angel wings. So, he could fly to the place where there are no more tears, no more pain, no more suffering, and no more sickness. A place filled with joy, laughter, and peace. PARADISE. Rest Rogers. Rest in paradise. Rest in peace, until we meet again.

Rogers is survived by his wife, Arva Phillips, his children, Rogers Phillips Jr., Calvin Phillips, Michael Phillips, Kimberly Phillips-Campbell, son-in-law Jamie Campbell, his bonus children Wayne Garbutt, Shane Gillett, Crystal Gillett, grandchildren, Roderick Phillips, Chiana Phillips, Grace Campbell, Vivian Campbell, Lillian Campbell, and bonus grandchildren, Caliyah Gillett, Tyler Williams, Divine Gillett, and Kingston Garbutt.

A Celebration of His Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the Bradshaw & Range Funeral Home, 2513 W. Dugdale Road, Waukegan, IL 60085.

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