Randolph Alex 'Randy' Phipps

Live Streaming information of the service will be available at:

www.knoxhighmortuary.com on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 9:30 A.M

     Randolph Alex Phipps, son of the late Ben D. and Effie Carpenter Phipps of Skippers, Virginia was the youngest of his parents seven children.  Randy, as he was affectionately known, departed this life peacefully at age 86 in the early evening hours of July 20th at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, Maryland after a brief illness and strong efforts toward recovery. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38-years, Elsie Marie Phipps, and sisters Otelia, Cornelia (Sa), Willie Bea, Mabel, Naomi, and his only brother, Rev. Patrick Hoover Phipps.  Randy was raised on and worked the family farm in rural Greensville County, Virginia and graduated from public schools there.  He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Diamond Grove Baptist, his home Church. 
     

     After relocating to Richmond, Virginia for several years, Randy moved to Baltimore, Maryland in search of better opportunities.  As a personal assistant to owner George P. Mahoney of Monumental Paving Company, Inc. for many years, Randy had business ambitions of his own in the construction and contracting field.  In 1977, he was one of several founding members of the Maryland Minority Contractors Association (MMCA), formed to empower minority contractors to gain their fair share of business opportunities in greater Baltimore and throughout the State.  He also served as board Chair for several years.  In January 1979, Randy teamed with longtime friend and business associate, Pless Jones to form P&J Contractors. Together, they won construction bids on some of the largest projects in Baltimore City, including the successful implosion of the sprawling high-rise Lexington Terrance apartment complex 24-years ago.  In 1982, Randy started his own construction firm, Phipps Construction Company, Inc and later renamed Phipps Construction Contractors, Inc. in 1993.  Located on a 23-acre site in East Baltimore, his firm’s specialties grew from snow removal and filling potholes, to land clearing, demolition and excavation, site grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer and water projects, hauling, paving, masonry, fencing, and blacktopping. His many business awards affirmed his position as “a full-service minority firm” providing an array of much needed construction services for a vibrant City and State. 
 

     Randy was also a very civic-minded businessman and would often lobby elected officials from the Mayor to the Maryland State Legislature on issues critical to economic empowerment for minority contractors. His gregarious personality, outstanding character, and assertive persistence garnered him respect and admiration that transcended party affiliation. He was simply well liked, kind-hearted, generous, and always willing to help anyway he could. Despite the ups and downs of business circumstances, he enjoyed every minute of making a difference in his community, through mentoring others for success and working with his colleagues.  As a seasoned member of the Maryland DOT Board of 8-A Certifications, Randy enabled aspiring minority contractors to achieve their business goals and potential.
 

     Randy Phipps has come full circle as he is laid to rest alongside his mother and father at the Diamond Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Skippers, Virginia.  He leaves to cherish his son Gregory A. Phipps from Charlotte, NC and daughters Miranda and Latonya Phipps from Baltimore, MD.  Sisters and brothers-in-laws Bobbie, James, and Russell Gillus, Diana Turner, Francis Jordan and Dorothy Harrison; all from Emporia, VA will sadly miss Randy’s presence. He was also blessed with six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and two great, great, grandchildren, all residing in Baltimore and Charlotte.       

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Phipps' tribute wall to share memories, 

extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. Randolph Alex 'Randy' Phipps.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randolph Alex 'Randy' Phipps, please visit our floral store.