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Frank Smithson Phillips, Jr. of Easton, Maryland, passed away on August 1, 2025. Born on September 21, 1940, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Phillips. Frank attended Horace Mann School, Sidwell Friends, and is a graduate of the Bullis School. He earned BA and MA degrees from American University, a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law and was licensed to practice law in Maryland.
Frank’s lifelong interest was aviation. He earned his first pilot certificate in a glider at age sixteen. Eventually he became an Airline Transport Pilot and was qualified to pilot numerous types of aircraft, including helicopters, gyroplanes, seaplanes, and hot air ballons. He also held flight instructor ratings for every type of aircraft. Recognizing his skills and teaching ability, the Federal Aviation Administration recruited Frank to be a pilot examiner. He served in that capacity for many years, testing and mentoring thousands of pilots, many of whom became professional pilots because of his encouragement and guidance. For many years he was a pilot for Maryland Airlines. Frank also served as an Aviation Safety Inspector for the FAA. And somehow he found time to teach real estate at Chesapeake College to aspiring real estate agents.
Frank is survived by his brother, Leland Phillips, and many endeared friends, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Arcadia Phillips.
Throughout the last months of his life, Frank received excellent care from the staff at Heartfields at Easton and Talbot Hospice.
A celebration of Frank’s lifetime accomplishments and contributions will be held at the Easton Airport Terminal at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, 08/22/2025.
