Lawrence "Larry" Reed Phillips

Lawrence Reed Phillips was called home to the Lord on February 3, 2023 with his loving daughter by his side. Affectionately known as Larry, Dad, Uncle Reed or Peepaw, he lived an extraordinary life, full of great love and countless minutes of laughter. 

Larry was a rare breed; strong but gentle, humble, and kind. There was nothing he could not build but he could not spell a lick. We will blame that on being from Arkansas. He loved all things Big Bend and Fox news. You did not bring up politics unless you had a few hours to listen to his take on things. He was born to Amanda Cumi and Henry Herbert Phillips on February 25, 1930 in Newark Arkansas. He spent his childhood in Arkansas, California and Oklahoma, ultimately settling in Rankin, Texas. Larry served the country he loved during his twenties by joining the United States Air Force, stationed in North Africa. 

When he moved to the oil fields of West Texas, he met the love of his life, Gyndolen Beauchamp in 1956 and together they had two beautiful children. He spent 26 years working for Halliburton and after retiring the first time he started a welding company, serving the oilfield community until his final retirement in 1990. 

Peepaw was a faithful member of the Assembly of God and followed the Lords teachings with all of his heart. One of the many great memories his granddaughters have is listening to him say such heartfelt and meaningful prayers.   

Larry and Gwen had a beautiful love story that lasted almost 57 years. Gwen was called home October of 2013 and Larry longed to be with his bride from then on. His life was changed when he met the first of four great grandsons in November of 2013. The grandboys reinvigorated him and they were the light of his life and they provided a new day full of brightness. PeePaws last Christmas was spent with his family as he learned that the Kilgore clan would be giving him the great granddaughter he had been asking for.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 brothers and 1 sister. He is survived by his daughter Renee and husband Dane Lee of Rankin, son Byron Phillips of Rankin, Granddaughter Brittnee and husband Jesse Sanchez of Rankin, Granddaughter Logan and husband Dusty Kilgore of McCamey Texas, Niece Debbie and husband Bruce Krebbs of Barttlesville Oklahoma, Sister in law Jo Beth Wright and family of Rogers Texas, Great grandsons Kyler Sanchez, Hudson Sanchez, Easton Kilgore, Madden Kilgore and coming soon, great granddaughter.

Memorial services will be held on February 9, 2023 at 2pm located in Rankin, Texas at the First Baptist church. In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund will be set up at the The First State Bank of Rankin for students pursuing a career in welding and other blue collar trades.