Billy Ray (Bull) Phillips
Billy Ray (Bull) Phillips was born August 29, 1932, in the small town of Ratliff, near Mansfield, Oklahoma to Ray and Almeta (Babe) Phillips. He passed away peacefully in his home in San Angelo, TX on March 19, 2024, at the age of 91 years.
Before moving to Andrews Texas, his family lived and worked on the Barringer and Flying W Ranches in Oklahoma. Billy Ray graduated from Andrews High School in 1951 where he was a proud member of the Andrews Mustangs football and basketball teams. He attended Sul Ross College after high school for 2 semesters. He was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1953 where he became a Ballistic Meteorologist. He served 2 years active duty in the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He then served 6 years in the reserves. After the Army he returned to Andrews where he owned a service station for 6 years and worked in maintenance for Andrews County for a short time as well as managing a Shamrock service station. Starting in 1962 he began a long career of over 30 years at Andrews Telephone Company, which became Contel of Texas, until he retired in 1993.
After retirement, he moved to his favorite place, “The Devils Shores” on Lake Amistad near Del Rio, Texas where he and his parents had property for many years. Fishing was his first love, and nothing made him happier than to be out on the lake bass fishing or running trot lines for yellow and channel catfish. His “fish fries” were the best! In 2019, he moved to the Rio Concho Retirement Homes in San Angelo, Texas where he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Nelda (Nelson) Carter. Besides fishing on Lake Amistad and the Devil River he enjoyed playing poker, watching competition rodeo, Nascar, dancing and listening to country swing music, particularly his all-time favorite, Bob Wills.
Billy Ray was preceded in death by his wife Shirley (Eubanks) Phillips, his parents Ray and Almeta Phillips, his brother Kenneth “Curly” Phillips and step granddaughter Allison Thomas. He is survived by his daughter Jayne Basse of Dallas, TX, his son Shannon Phillips and husband Jeff Johnson of Allen TX, his friend and ex-wife Norma Phillips of Dallas TX, grandchildren Audrey Basse of Dallas TX, Valerie Garcia-Ortiz and husband Fernando Garcia-Ortiz of Cypress TX, and great grandchildren, Declan and Ronan Garcia-Ortiz.
His extended family: Survived by daughter Elaine Thomas and husband Cliff Thomas of Dallas TX, daughter Karen Beard and husband Kent Beard of Houston TX. Grandchildren Bryce Thomas and wife Diana Thomas of Sterling City TX, Carson Beard and wife Paige Beard of Oklahoma. Great grandchildren James Thomas, Gizella Thomas, Esta Thomas, Sofia Beard and Lillian Beard.
Billy Ray Phillips was a kind man who enjoyed a simple uncomplicated life. He loved his family beyond measure. He will be missed for a funny story, off-color joke, made-up songs, his wisdom, and most of all his hugs. His favorite salutation became “Do Good” instead of Goodbye.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 29, 2024, from 6:00PM-8:00PM at the McNett Funeral Home in Andrews TX. Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 10:00AM, at the McNett Funeral Home Chapel with military graveside services immediately following at the Andrews County Old Cemetery. Arrangements are under the personal care of McNett Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Billy Ray Phillips to the VFW.
