The Shadow
Keswick “Kes” Forrest Phillips
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.
Arrangements are being handled by McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.mclaughlinandyoung.com.
