- Date Of Birth: December 23, 1946
- Date Of Death: February 21, 2016
- State: Florida
Colonel Clyde Bryant Phillips, III, age 69, passed away Feb 21, 2016 at his home in Melbourne, Florida.
He was born on Dec 23, 1946 and lived in Como, Ms.
Clyde graduated from the American School in the Philippine Islands. He then attended Mississippi State University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and an officer in the Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation he was commissioned into the Air Force and conducted flight training in Starkville, MS receiving the Commanders Trophy.
Col Phillips served two tours in the Vietnam War flying over 200 combat missions. He was a graduate of Fighter Weapons School and subsequently a F W S instructor pilot. He was a part of the initial multi national test and tactics evaluation for the F16. A graduate of the U.S.A.F. Aggressors, he served as Director of Operations for Red Flag – the A.F’s premier combat training exercise.
Col Clyde “Joe Bob” Phillips was recognized as one of the most skilled fighter pilots in the U.S.A.F. He was hand picked to provide expertise for the air campaign in Desert Storm. The U.S.A.F’s transformation from the Vietnam era to the unparalleled fighting force of today is a direct result of his efforts.
After retiring from the U.S.A.F. he traveled and sailed for several years. He then joined Lockheed Martin and aided in the development of the F35 Joint Strike Force fighter jet.
Upon a second retirement he moved to Melbourne, Florida enjoying long distance sailing and traveling with his wife Donna.
Col. Phillips is survived by his wife, Donna Trammell Phillips: son Michael Bryant Phillips and daughter Mary Margaret Phillips, both of Las Vegas, NV; brother William Leslie Phillips of Greenville, S.C.; sister Sally Phillips Buffington of Madison, GA and two grandchildren.
