Ricky Phillips, Dora High School Class of 1972 is beginning a new and exciting phase of his life. He’s launching his own business. Ricky has worked for CAPSCO Industries in Sumiton for 30 years and he went to school at night at Bevill State and UAB to earn his State Journeyman and Master Plumber and Gas Fitter’s Cards. He said “I’ve been doing plumbing and gas projects for many years, but never thought I could let go of the day job to go it on my own, but now just seemed like the right time.”
Ricky was the shop foreman in his previous employment and was responsible for preparing pipe for sprinkling systems for projects all over the south. But now the real work starts he jokes.
His “real job” was raising three children with his wife of 30 years Debra (Best) Phillips.
James and Haven Phillips have already graduated from Dora High and Samantha, the baby started to Dora this week. She is on the dance team and the volleyball team. “Keeping that bunch in line is a handful,” he says with a grin.
Ricky who has lived in Empire most of his adult life, has dreamed of owning his own business for many years. Even in high school, he spent holidays and summers helping has dad Sharky Phillips, do plumbing jobs in the area. His favorite part of high school was the vocational education because it was hands on.
What’s in the future for Ricky? “Well, I’ve got to get enough work to stay off of welfare,” he jokes. I’m in the process of putting together a new website for R&H Plumbing so that people can find me on the web. “I’m also getting ready for a new grand daughter that is due early next year,” he says. James and Andrea Morrow Phillips had their first son Stone Xavier in 2003 and they found out a month or so ago that number two is on the way. Ricky and Debra’s second son Haven was married to Alesha Williams last year.
He says he would love to hear from his old friends from Dora High