Keswick “Kes” Forrest Phillips, 51, of Hot Springs, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Warm Springs, Virginia. He was born on April 10, 1973, in Hot Springs and was the oldest son of Keswick Darrell Phillips and Gwendolyn May Phillips.
Kes was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and a friend to all. He worked as a bus driver for the Bath County Public School System and as the farm manager for his good friends, Randy and Linda Webb of Rushing Waters in Highland County. He loved the mountains of Bath County and some of his favorite outdoor activities included deer and turkey hunting, mushroom hunting, and playing golf. He was always thinking of others before himself and took the time to pass on his love of hunting to the next generation.
Kes knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a member of the Virginia Chapel Church. He was the best teammate you could ever ask for and to say that he was gifted athletically would be an understatement. Kes worked hard and he played hard. He used his talent for sports to coach many teams over the years and taught them so much more than ball. He was a Super Booster at Bath County High School, and he was passionate about the role of sports in developing character and always wanted the best for everyone around him. His efforts touched the lives of countless people over the years.
Without a doubt, he would say his greatest accomplishment in life was becoming a father. He was a loving father to his beloved children, Ryleigh Kay Phillips, whom he called “Precious,” and Skylar Alexis Shelton of Warm Springs. Kes cherished every moment spent with his children and they were the light of his life. He never missed an opportunity to express how proud he was of them and how much he loved them.
Kes also loved spending time with his family, and in addition to his parents, he leaves behind two brothers, Craig Phillips & wife Jill, and Kris Phillips, all of Hot Springs; five nieces & nephews, Eli, Noah, Abbey, Isaac, & Annie; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins who all loved him more than words can say.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024, at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with Pastor Donald Lee Altizer officiating, and Pastor Bill Gram assisting. Interment will be in Warm Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jake Phillips, John Phillips, Eli Phillips, Noah Phillips, Isaac Phillips, Rocklynn Phillips, Nate Phillips, Justin Phillips, and Cody Phillips.
The family will receive friends two hours prior to services from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bath County Athletic Boosters, c/o Bugs Phillips, P.O. Box 251, Warm Springs, Virginia 24484.
It is sad to hear of Keswick’s passing. I worked with him at the papermill many years. Always polite and cordial. Prayers are with the family and sincere prayers from me personally!
This earth lost its spark the day you left. I’m glad we stayed in touch all these years. You will be missed tremendously.
I was very saddened to hear of Kes’s passing. He was always friendly and went out of his way to speak when I was playing golf at the Homestead or back in the day when I would umpire his games. Such a gifted athlete.
I know he will be missed in the Bath County community.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family.
His was a “great one!”
RIP my friend!
Rest in peace my friend and neighbor
Will always remember all the good times and talks keep smiling down on us all..love and miss you my forever friend..
Prayers to his family. I was a part of his work family from the mill for years. He was a hard worker and a good man. He loved being a father, and every time we saw each other over the years, all he could talk about was his girls. He will be greatly missed.
Such a sweetheart. Always so kind and considerate. He was a good friend and he will be greatly missed.
I came to know Kes from Westvaco. He was a great guy with a “can’t help but like” personality. A lot of good times at the mill. It was always great seeing him after he left. Loved his sports and family. Will miss him hollering “how are you gummer?” Rip. My friend
One of the BEST!!! Great friend and will be missed by all that knew him. RIP Kes!!!
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the whole Phillips Family. May Heavenly Father hold you close especially during this time of grief.
My condolences to the Phillips family. Especially Gwin
Prayers for his family and friends in all the days to come. Kes was one of the best and always had a huge hug every time we’d run into each other. You will greatly be missed! Until we see you again…..
God only takes the best ones first! I’m sure you will have everyone in Heaven having a party!
A wonderful young man. A great friend who will be greatly missed. Much love and prayers for his family and especially his precious daughters.
Kes, you will be truly missed by all. I remember when I lost my mom and you came by, just to make sure that I was alright. My heart aches from the sadness, but I will always remember that smile and your beautiful heart…May you always keep shining bright…
Prayers to the family. I came to know Kes at the paper mill. He was such a great guy and never met a stranger. He loved the Bath County Chargers and certainly will be missed by his family and the many friends he had. Rest In Peace My Friend.
Love and prayers to Keswick’s family and multitude of friends. I loved his compassionate and competitive spirit. May his influence live on……..Donna and CR Nicely
This community is suffering a huge loss. Keswick always gave from his huge heart. My condolences goes out to his amazing mom (Gwen) & his dad (Kes ) brothers Craig & Kris, also daughters Ryleigh & Skylar. May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace.
Rest In Heavenly Peace sweet Keswick until we all meet up on God’s beautiful shore.
Keswick was one of a kind and had the best smile. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Bath County Community.
My thoughts and prayers for all of Keswick’s family and friends, he was a wonderful man and a joy to be around. He was always smiling and willing to talk or comment on some ballgame. We are all going to miss you, but I know you will be watching over those two precious girls. RIP Keswick my friend
So, so sorry for your loss! Taken way too young. I send prayers for comfort for the whole family as you grieve his loss and try to move forward without him.
Even though I didn’t have a close friendship with Kes like many others in this county; I want to say he will definitely be missed. I know my kids have been touched as well as I with his coaching from the sidelines and cheering them on or fussing at them to only improve their games. Prayers for his family and friends especially his girls Ryleigh and Skyler.
I am sorry to hear about Kes. I have many fond memories of him when we played Babe Ruth All Stars many years ago. RIP Kes.
Kes and Gwennie. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts for you and your family. May the Holy Spirit embrace you and your son’s family! May the Lord comfort you and be there for you at this time.
Ted Dickerson
We are so sorry to hear of your son’s passing, Keswick. Thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your family.
Raised by wonderful parents Kes and Gwen. He was a wonderful caring person just like his mom and dad. He will always be remembered for his kindness to others. RIP ~ we love you
Kes, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Saying goodby to one’s child, no matter the age, has to be beyond our understanding. May God comfort your hearts.
Sorry to hear about Kes. He was quite a character, to say the least. Whether it was the color he added to Charger football, two-a-day lunchtime pool bus renditions of “Seven Bridges Road”, or his ability to grow a full beard in the 9th grade; he was often a topic of conversation around BCHS in the late 80s and early 90s. The beard might have been how he got the nickname “Caveman”, but I’m not 100% sure about that. Regardless: RIP, Caveman.
R.I.P. CUZ !
Dearest Gwen, Kes, Craig &
Kris:
My heart breaks for all of you. Always know that Cannonball had the biggest
heart. He was always kind to everyone he met and his
passion for sports showed in everything he put his mind to. He lived his life to
the fullest and had a smile on no matter what. This
community will greatly miss him.
Much love always.
I’ve known Kes for probably close to 30 years!! Very much a people person! He always lit up a room when he walked in.
May he rest in peace, Prayers to his family!
Such an untimely passing of a good person. My condolences to the family. May God be with you.
I got to meet Kes at westvaco. It was hard not to like him and his personality. He was a lot of fun to be around with. Enjoyed our pranks and jokes. He loved his family and sports. I will certainly miss him hollering What’s up gummer. Until we meet again. RIP. Keswick
My heart and prayers goes out to the family and friends of Kes PHILLIPS.
Never seen without a smile, and a hello. Big loss to his family and the community. With football season getting ready to start. Will miss seeing him walking the lines. R.I.P. Kes, and God bless your family. Gone too soon, and never forgotten.
One of a kind guy with the biggest heart. His smile and positivity will be a void to many. Prayers for the family as they go through this huge loss.