Staff Sergeant Ian Ryan Phillips, 24, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 2, 2016 in Elk City, Oklahoma due to injuries incurred in an automobile accident. He was born on November 12, 1992 in Hendersonville, NC to Gary and Denise Phillips.Ian was a graduate of West Henderson High School in Hendersonville, NC, as well as the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) where he studied Information Systems Management. He recently became stationed at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma and worked as a Client Systems Tech. His previous USAF base assignments included RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England and Ramstein Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany where he met and married his loving wife, Lisa Marie Phillips, on February 12, 2016.He leaves behind his wife, Lisa Phillips, who is originally of Tulare, California, his parents, Gary and Denise Phillips, of Etowah, NC, his grandmother, Joan Phillips, of Etowah, NC, his sister, Lauren Phillips, of Asheville, NC and his sister, April Creel, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida.Ian was extremely blessed by family and friends who loved him dearly. His career in the United States Air Force provided him with life experiences beyond his dreams. His ever-present smile and terrific sense of humor made it obvious that he was a happy young man. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He claimed Christ as his Savior and was growing in his faith. We know that Jesus is preparing a place for Ian, and we long for the day when we see him again.A memorial service for Ian is scheduled at 3pm on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791. Jackson Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.The family would like to express its sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. They continue to thank God for giving them His strength to endure. Psalm 18:1.