Phillip Evan Risinger, Sr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Phillip Evan Risinger Sr, who left us peacefully on June 6, 2024, at the age of 89. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to those who knew him.

Born July 13 in St. Louis, Missouri, Phil lived a Christian life full of love, kindness, and compassion. He touched the lives of many with his generosity and unwavering spirit. Phil was known for his strength of character, dedication to family and friends, good nature, and love for his wife Ann.

Phil graduated from the University of Missouri in 1957, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.  After graduating, Phil enlisted in the Navy from 1957-1963 in the Flight Training Program where he reached Lieutenant.  After the Navy Phil started his career in Advertising at D’Arcy Advertising in St. Louis.  After D’Arcy he led the advertising teams at Minute Maid in Orlando, and Tupperware in Kissimmee where he won a Clio for the campaign “Put a lock on freshness” and then ran New Richmond Foods in Wisconsin. After a year of the cold, he and Ann moved back to Florida where Phil started a printing company in Miami.  He then moved to Oklahoma City and led the advertising team at Ackerman McQueen Agency.  He finished his career spending 20 years as the CEO of the KFC National Cooperative Advertising Program, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky.

Phil’s advertising career gave him many opportunities to enjoy his passion for golf.  He was invited to play in several Pro-Ams including, Pebble Beach Golf Links, National Golf Links of America, several Kentucky Derby Festival Pro-Ams, and winning the Doral Pro-am in 1970.  He played in 6 NBC Players Championship events at TPC Sawgrass.  He also had the opportunity to play golf in Ireland on two separate occasions.  But his top passion and accomplishments always centered around his family. Phil was particularly proud of his children and grandchildren growing up to be just like he and Ann, loving, hard-working, good-natured people.

Phil retired to Vero Beach, Florida in 1997 where he continued to enjoy golf as a member of Vero Beach Country Club.

Phil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann; his children, Susanne (Jason) Geer; Phillip (Samantha) Risinger; Jennifer (Charlie) Beery; and Stephanie Schindler.  He also had 10 grandchildren, Alex, Hayley and Sam Geer; Camden and Reed Risinger; Madison and Evan Beery; Tyo and Oliver Schindler and 1 great-grandchild, Dalton.   He is predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Lucille Risinger; brother, Stephen; daughter, Elizabeth; and granddaughter, Emily.

Though Phil is now in heaven. He will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire us every day.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or by visiting https://vnatc.org/

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.