Remembering Robert Philip Segrest

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Robert Philip “Phil” Segrest, 82, was born on February 8, 1944, in St. Augustine, Fla., and passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Port Gibson, Miss., surrounded by his family.

Segrest lived an extraordinary life, taking on many roles and adventures along the way. He worked with NASA on the Apollo space program, on the Alaskan Pipeline, and in oilfield services around the world. His career even included working with NATO.

Closer to home, he was a rural route mail carrier, volunteer firefighter and fire chief, and small-business owner. For more than 25 years, he was a cattleman—though he often treated his cows more like pets than livestock. He loved animals and even kept a flock of parrots.

He was always busy with something and was never one to sit still for long. He was always thinking of ways to do something bigger, different, easier, or better. He was an amateur inventor and innovator. He was full of big ideas and never had enough time to see them through to the end.

Throughout his life, he was known by many titles: boss, coworker, friend, and Chief. But the titles he cherished most were brother, husband, Dad, and Grumpy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sherry Segrest; his children, Christy Sherman (Rob), Charles Segrest (Belinda), and Brad Segrest (Natalie); and his grandchildren, Brooke and Griffin. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Claire Farnell (Rob), Scott Wieteska, Shelby Whiteside (John), and Wesley Pennington (Terri).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Segrest; his sisters, Charlene Glenn and Celeste Segrest; and his niece, Margaret Pennington.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.