Gary Phillips

Gary Lee “Smokey” Phillips passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Gary was born in Jacksboro, Texas on September 18, 1945, to Lowell Pool Phillips and Mildee (Lee) Phillips. Gary graduated from Jacksboro High School and attended Ranger College before beginning his lifelong career at the Texas Department of Transportation. He retired after nearly 50 years at TXDOT, serving as maintenance foreman in every area of Tarrant County as well as Cleburne, Decatur, and Jacksboro.  Gary loved sports and the outdoors. For years Gary was involved in coaching girl softball teams. He was devoted to his family and friends, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He also loved to laugh, and no one was better at practical jokes. Gary always said one thing at every family gathering. And he probably said it at dinners with friends and casual encounters at a coffee shop. He always said, “I’m glad you got to see me.” We were always glad to see him. In fact, we were blessed every time we saw him, and we all treasure many cherished memories.

Gary is survived by his wife of 38 years, Darlene; his only child, Christen Browning and her husband Robert, and their daughter, Ryen; stepdaughter, Lori Commander and her husband Mike, and their children, Jacob and Megan, and granddaughter; Libby; stepson, Brent Prather and his children, Josh, Taylor, and Makayla; sister, Lou Ann Phillips, and her husband Keith Sharp; sister, Lana Osteen and her husband, Mitchel; and brother, Bruce Phillips.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gary on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Willow Park Baptist Church, 129 S. Ranch House Road, Willow Park, Texas 76008.