1935
2022
Gerald Bruce Phillips, M.D. went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 27, 2022. He was born on January 20, 1935 in Jourdanton, Texas to Alvin and Alma Phillips. He was raised in Jourdanton until the family moved to Poteet in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart, Christell Myers in 1954. He completed his undergraduate studies at North Texas State University in three years and went on to obtain his Medical Doctorate from Southwestern Medical School, in Dallas, in 1959. He began practicing medicine as a General Practitioner in Poteet in 1960. He moved his practice to Pleasanton in 1964 and earned his Board Certification in Family Practice in 1974. He practiced medicine in a time when small town doctors did it all. He provided care in the Emergency Room, performed general surgery, set broken bones, and delivered over 3000 babies. He served as the County Jail Physician, Medical Director of multiple nursing homes, and Medical Director of Atascosa County EMS. He was a member of the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and served as a Preceptor for medical students for many years. Nutrition and vitamin therapy were a passion of his for over 40 years. He was a member of the Texas Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Alternative Medicine, and the American College for the Advancement in Medicine.
Dr. Phillips was a compassionate and caring person. He never turned anyone away when they needed medical care. One year an older woman could not pay her bill and refused to accept “free care”. In order to honor the patient’s wishes and preserve her dignity, he accepted her “payment” of a box full of handmade sun bonnets. That summer, he was seen at the Cowboy Homecoming festivities, handing out those bonnets to many lucky visitors. His compassion for his patients was evident in the fact that he often made house call for those patients who did not have the ability, or the means, to get to the doctor’s office.
Dr. Phillips organized a group of local physicians, forming the Physicians Group. This group used their resources to support the students at the Atascosa County Livestock Show, contributing to the purchase of several animals.
Dr. Phillips was a founding member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1967. He was honored as Outstanding Young Citizen of the Year in 1968. He was elected to the Pleasanton School Board in 1970, serving as President for three years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Atascosa Savings Association from 1973-1990. In 1999, along with Cathy West, he established the local chapter of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, where he served on the Board for many years. In 2009, the Chamber of Commerce honored him as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year.
Dr. Phillips was a member of Community Bible Chapel since 1983, serving as an Elder from 1985 to 2008. He taught a Sunday School Class for many years. In 1982, when the new jail opened, he started a Jail Ministry, holding Bible Study Class for the inmates every Sunday morning. In 1987 he organized the “Just Say Yes” Youth Rally to help the youth of Atascosa County say Yes to a relationship with Jesus and No to drugs. In his free time, he enjoyed working on the ranch with his cattle and also woodworking.
He is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Phillips and his mother Alma Erwin Phillips, his brother-in-law, John McCampbell, sister-in-law Marlene Myers Hilgers, and his niece, Karen McCampbell Wells. He is also preceded by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Allen Myers and Hurstean Akers Myers Matthews and his stepfather-in-law Sid Matthews. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Chris Phillips, daughter Susan, sons Bruce (Diane) and Jeff (Karen); grandchildren Richard Phillips, Cara Phillips Zahed (Omid), Paige Phillips Davies (Josh), Chase Phillips, and Colby Phillips. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Benjamin Davies, and sisters Peggy Phillips McCampbell, Lana Phillips Cowley (Morris), Judy Phillips Crews (Mal), brother-in-law Freddie Hilgers, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home on Friday, May 13, from 5 - 7 p.m. Funeral services are set for Saturday, May 14, 2022 with the family receiving friends from 1 – 2 p.m. and the funeral beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Cowboy Fellowship, located at 561 FM 3350, Jourdanton.
Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Dr. Gerald B Phillips. We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate him.
Livestream: LINK
Thank you for loving Dr. Gerald B Phillips as much as we do and taking time to honor his life with us.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CASA, P.O. Box 343, Pleasanton, Texas, any Atascosa County Volunteer Fire Department, or the charity of your choice.
Adrianna Borjas-Balderas
September 29, 2022
I am very to learn of Dr. Phillips passing. He was a great person. He was medical director at the nursing facility it worked at many years. He had been on my mind for months, now I know why. I have fond memories of him...many teaching moments and so many more of laughter. It was truly a blessing to have known him. He helped me with my vitamin regimen when I was diagnosed with RA. Thank you Dr. Phillips for all you did!
Laura Akers
May 23, 2022
Dr. Phillips delivered me in December of 1969 in Jourdanton (one of the over 3,000 babies he delivered) at the old Mercy Hospital (the Nuns were still running the show). He was there when I took my first breathe of life and was our family doctor since 1968 until his retirement. He delivered my brother as well (1968).
As my mother and I read over his obituary, she told me of how our families are related. We were related by marriage. What an amazing story! Dr. Phillips' Mother-in-law was an Akers. So are we! My grandmother back in the day, would always say we were related. I believe everyone in Atascosa County is related to each other some way or another!
It's so amazing to hear his life's history and all of the amazing things he accomplished. Including, his loyal dedication to God, his community and his patients. I truly believe the medical profession is a "calling" on your life not just another job, (speaking as a retired Air Force Medic/EMT/Iraqi veteran). It's a part of your heart and your "being" to want to help other people and to help save lives.
He was always there for my family and it's beautiful how one life can be such a blessing to so many others. Thank you, Dr. Phillips. You were an amazing blessing to this community and will be truly missed. All our sincerest prayers for the family.
RUBY ANN RAMIREZ
May 16, 2022
BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN DR.PHILLIP HE DELIVERED MY SON HE WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME ON MY VISITS HER SHE IS A BABY HAVING A BABY WITH HIS BIG SMILE AND SAID YOUR MY LAST DELIVERY WONT BE DELIVERING ANY MORE BABIES 1986. ALMOST LOST HIM AT 5 MONTHS BUT HE WAS THERE TO MAKE SURE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN SO BLESSED. GOD GAVE US SOMEONE SPECIAL TO BE THERE FOR US . TO THE FAMILY MY CONDOLENCES AND THANK YOU FOR HIS SPECIAL GIFT .
Clara Beth (Holder) Beyer
May 14, 2022
It was a privilege to work with Dr. Phillips both as DON of Retama Manor Jourdanton and as Pleasanton ISD School Nurse.
May God grant the family comfort, strength, courage and peace in the days ahead.
Lucinda Vickers
May 13, 2022
My family would like to let Dr. Phillips' family know that they are in our prayers. My husband Joe remembers when Dr. Phillips first opened his medical practice here, and Dr. Phillips was his doctor for many years. Dr. Phillips was certainly a pillar of this community, and he will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing. Cindy Vickers
Guadalupe Martinez
May 13, 2022
On behalf of my entire family I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Phillips family. Dr. Phillips was
our family doctor since he began his practice in Atascosa county until his retirement (I was doomed after that).
I can attest to him "doing it all", I was very active in sports in my younger days and was always going to him for
whatever injury. Whenever he would walk into his office and see me, he would have that look in his face and
ask "what did you do now?" Whatever ailment I had, he took care of it, no referral to a specialist....he was "The
Specialist". Our entire community was fortunate and blessed in having him as our medical servant. Rest in
Peace Dr. Phillips....
Lupe Martinez
Poteet, Tx
Amy Cashmer
May 13, 2022
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. Dr. Phillips was an awesome boss.
Lyndley Howe
May 12, 2022
We were so privileged to have met this lovely man and to share some of his amazing family members, on our couple of trip from Down Under , loved looking over the ranch. Love to all his family, his memories will live in in everyone.
.
Eva Perkins -McCormack
May 12, 2022
Susan and brothers ,
Dr Phillips was a great, caring doctor as well as a good friend of my family’s years ago!! My husband had his first heart attack in Dr. Phillips Office. He called me and he and Chris kept my boys in their home until I could make other arrangements!! That’s only one of many things these friends did. A good man is in a good place now!!! Sending love to this family.
Jon Krause
May 12, 2022
I spent many hours in his waiting room as a child. He was always kind & compassionate. May his family find comfort knowing that his life is forever a part of the Atascosa community and his work shaped all of our lives not just in his office, but also in the homes of those he visited. May the good Lord roll out the red carpet for him as enters the kingdom of heaven and he joins much of his family and friends that I’m sure are giving him a standing ovation!
Jose M DeLaRosa
May 2, 2022
Condolences to the Phillips Family. Dr Phillips was our family Dr from way back. Never forget the day he set my arm I was around 10 ,he said now that wasn't so bad was it. Rest well deserved Doc. Thank you all the years of your service.
Bubba Bartosh
May 1, 2022
So many fond memories of Dr Phillips. He was definitely one of the good guys on this earth.
George Foulds
May 1, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you always.
Becky Gustamante
April 30, 2022
My sincere condolences to the whole Phillips family. I have such fond memories of Dr. Phillips. May his memories give you comfort.
Frank and Shirley Geyer
April 29, 2022
Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. Our community has lost another good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Rebecca Goins Leal
April 29, 2022
My condolences to all the family of Dr. Phillips. He was my mothers doctor and doctor to me and my 7 siblings. He delivered my son Philip many years ago as well. Always gracious, kind and considerate . I always made him smile when I would see him for a doctor's appointment and would tell him I was there for a second opinion. He was truly a good man. May he rest in God's peace for he served his fellow man well.
Rita S. Estrada
April 29, 2022
A candle for Dr. Phillips. Rest In Peace. My condolences to all the family.
Rita S. Estrada
April 29, 2022
Rest In Peace Dr. Phillips. My condolences to all the family. He was my parents Dr., my Dr., and my daughters. He was a wonderful, nice, understandable Dr. May God comfort all of his familes heart.
Lynn and Janet Ellison
April 29, 2022
We extend our sincerest condolences. Sending prayers of comfort and solace.
Sulema Caballero
April 29, 2022
My condolences to the family . Dr. Phillips brought my sons into this world. Great doctor!
Connie Martinez
April 28, 2022
On behalf of my aunt Marta Davila, who worked with Dr. Phillip's for many years, and myself, I would like to express our most sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort your hearts at this difficult time, and may he rest in peace.
Shirley & Rance Wilson
April 28, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ida Hasette
April 28, 2022
Susan, my condolences to you and your family.
Dr. Philips will never be forgotten.
May He Rest In Peace
Austin Teutsch
April 28, 2022
Dr. Phillips and Dr. Austin and Dr. Elliot were the only Drs. in Atascosa County for 60 years. From a paper cut to delivering babies to fighting cancer, these Doctors were life savers. May Dr. Phillips rest in the peace he gave hundreds of thousands of South Texas patients. There is a lot of movement in Heaven right now to accomadate Dr. Phillips place in his eternal rest.
Richter/Garza
April 28, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Linda Ritchey
April 28, 2022
To the Family:
Dr. Gerald Phillips was our family doctor for many years. He took care of me, my Mom and Dad and my brother. He delivered my twins Michael and Melissa and was their doctor for many years. He was a very kind and caring person. May God be with you all during this difficult time . You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sam, Linda, Michael, Melissa, Sammy and Seth Ritchey.
Connie Waxler
April 28, 2022
Condolences to all the family. He left a great legacy in Atascosa County.
Stephanie Riley
April 28, 2022
To a fabulous man and Dr he was our family Physician he Saved My Sons life and I think him for that and taking wonderful care of my Dad rest in peace Dr Phillips.
The Crawford Family
April 28, 2022
Dr. Phillips was the most amazing man, a gracious, caring, and concerned Doctor. Our family will never forget him. Pleasanton will not be the same without him. Praying peace and comfort to his family. Blessings to cover you all
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Hurley Funeral Home - Pleasanton118 W. Oaklawn Road, Pleasanton, TX 78064
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Hurley Funeral Home - Pleasanton118 W. Oaklawn Road, Pleasanton, TX 78064