Beloved local icon, William Richard "Dick" Phillips, Jr., 89, of New Madrid, MO, passed away Friday, February 27, 2015 at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, MO following a brief illness and surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Madrid, Missourah on February 13, 1926 to William Richard Phillips, Sr. and Dorothy Riley Phillips. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Marjorie Rose McSpadden Phillips; daughter Kathie Phillips Brune and son-in-law Brad; son William Richard Phillips III; daughter Cindi Phillips Jones and son-in-law Tony.  Grandchildren Jeffrey Brune and granddaughter-in-law Shea; Allison Brune Evans and grandson-in-law Charles; Stowe Jones, Coleman Jones, Madison Phillips, Carly Phillips, Lexi Phillips.  Great Grandchildren Adalia Brune, Ellis William Brune, Brune Baby due in October (who has already sat on Grandpa's lap in heaven), and Cecelia Rose Evans. Dick also leaves behind his brother, Edwin "Hot" Phillips of New Madrid and sister, Anne Phillips Utterback of Austin, TX, as well as numerous family and friends throughout the area.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dorothy Phillips Huey. Dick attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in New Madrid until he was in 8th Grade and then attended Chaminade High School in St. Louis, MO.  Following graduation, he attended Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, GA and then the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO until he decided to return home and work on the family farm.  Dick was a proud veteran of WWII, voluntarily joining the United States Navy in 1944.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, he joined the Naval Reserve. Dick has been a farmer, land owner and agri-business man his entire life.  He was owner of Young and Phillips Farms and L&P Grain.  He was an employee of AC Riley Cotton Company for 64 years.  He owned and operated Phillips Fertilizer from 1972-1998.  Following his "retirement", he continued to keep daily office hours and hold court at the former Phillips Fertilizer, now Helena Chemical Co. He honorably served the citizens of New Madrid and New Madrid County collectively for 26 years as County Treasurer, City Alderman and Mayor.  As City Alderman he played a key role in getting two large industries located in New Madrid, Noranda Aluminum and Associated Electric.  He was voted Man of the Year in 1988 by the Chamber of Commerce.  He chaired the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service Committee for numerous years.  He received special Resolutions from the Missouri House, Missouri Senate, and United States House of Representatives upon his retirement as Mayor. Of special note was his service as Mayor during the New Madrid Earthquake scare of 1990 where he was interviewed by every major TV and print news organization in the country, including a feature story in People Magazine. The family will host a Celebration of Life Service at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid from 6:00-7:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2015.  The Visitation will be held immediately following from 7:00-9:00 PM, with the Rosary at 9:00 PM.   A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid, Mo. Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of W.R. Phillips, Jr. to the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in New Madrid and/or The New Madrid County Public Library. "A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives."  Jackie Robinson. Pallbearers: Vest Baker, Matt Davis, Adam Davis, Jim Cravens, Riley James, Tommy Riley Honorary Pallbearers: The E.M. Phillips Family, The Anne Utterback Family, The McSpadden Family, The W.V. Riley Family, The A.C. Riley Family, The Wilson Phillips Family, The L.L. Riley Family, The Robert Riley Family, The Emma Maxwell Family, The Tim Hunter Family, The George Dawson Sr. Family, Freida Gilmer, John Delisle, Debbie McRaven, The Clay Riley Family, The Brady Family, Tammy Phillips, Lee Hunter, Craig Hunter, The LaValle Family, Barry and Mary Bennett.