Clyde Alton Phillips

Funeral services for Clyde Alton Phillips, age 88, of Rusk will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2014, in the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home chapel with Reverends Kevin Gentry, Jack White and Albert Munsinger officiating . Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery following services. Mr. Phillips passed away February 1, 2014 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Jasper Phillips, Sr. and Myrtle Mae McDaniel Phillips, four brothers, Jack Robison Phillips, Corry Neuton Phillips, William Leon Phillips and Thomas Jasper Phillips, Jr., and one sister Zonia Adelle Parker. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 65 years, Nancy Josiephene Grogan Phillips, one daughter and son in law, Martha and Bobby Coates of Rusk, three sons and daughters in law, Thomas Morgan and Rhonda Phillips of Grapeland, J. Clyde and Peggy Phillips of Deer Park, Terry Joe and Vicki Phillips of Rusk. Ten grandchildren, Dwain and Farrah Coates, Sheila and Kevin Gentry, Sarah and Craig Smith, Billy May, Rebbecca Phillips, Heather and Jimmy Thompson, Amy and Erin Teekel, Jonathan Phillips, Courtney and Josh Hill and Alaina Phillips. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Brianna Williams, Emily Coates, Nathan Coates, Jason Gentry, Laurie Gentry, Brandon Gentry, Laci Phillips, Ethan Smith, Caden Thompson, Paige Thompson, Sameul Teekel, D.J. Teekel, Wesley Hill. One nephew Jack Richard Phillips; nieces Lillie Bobbit, Nancy Mahoney and Lela Mae Mainer; and a host of friends. Throughout his life, he worked at numerous jobs. In 1939, when he was 14 years old, he began his first job chopping wood with a double-bit axe for 10 cents a wheel barrow load. In the 1940’s he went to work for Rusk State Hospital for $56 per month which included room and board as well as doctor bills. He worked for Mr. Finis Stovall and Mr. Ray Acker, supervising the growth and shipping of tomatoes, peas and corn as well as working at the Rusk Packing Shed. He retired from Rusk State Hospital in 1987 after 45 years of service and then mowed lawns around the Rusk area, making good friends as he took care of people while caring for their yards. He loved his garden and spent every waking hour possible in it, producing some of the finest vegetables anywhere. He always prayed while in his garden, calling the names of every one of his children and grandchildren as well as many other of his friends and relatives to the Lord, three or four times a day. Mr. Phillips was devoted to his Lord and Savior and loved gospel music. He once said, “there have been no better times in my life than those when I was standing there singing praises to the Good Lord with my children all around me.” He was a member, deacon and music director at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He had led the music in churches for 50 years. Clyde married the first and last girl he ever dated. He was 23 and she was 15. She lovingly supported him in all that he did throughout their entire married life. Pallbearers will be Craig Smith, Carl Loden, Jimmy Thompson, Zac Bryant, Nathan Dyess,Charles McCreight, Charles Whisenant and Bob Batton. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Lankford, L.E. Mayfield, James Campbell, Bro. M.T. Blackmon, Bro. Bob Goodnight, Bro. Don Copeland, members of the Rusk Fire Department, and the deacons of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: Billy Watson, Bob Batton, Charles Whisenant, Bobby Coates and Glenn Ezell. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 69, Maydelle, TX 75772.

Clyde Alton Phillips

March 18, 1925 - February 1, 2014