Billy Wayne Phillips

Funeral services for Billy Wayne Phillips of Huntington will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Huntington with Brother Lamar Denby and Brother Delton Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Shofner Cemetery.

Billy Wayne Phillips was born December 9, 1942 in Huntington, Texas to the late Steve Phillips and Nora (Barnett) Phillips and went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his family Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the age of 80.

Mr. Phillips was only 11 years old when his father died and only 16 years old when his mother passed away. At the age of 16 he began working while he continued his education at Huntington High School and eventually moved in with his older sister, Mary, until he graduated. After high school graduation he met the love of his life, Mary Carolyn Watson. They married March 27, 1964 at Denman Avenue Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas. Mr. Phillips and Carolyn were married for 59 years and resided in Huntington, Texas. Mr. Phillips was a member of Highway Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on several committees. Mr. Phillips also worked alongside Steve Farr and other men of the church through the years with several remodeling projects for the church. He served on the Huntington ISD school board and always stated how blessed he was to have the privilege to present his son, Steve, and his daughter, Debbie, with their high school diplomas at their graduation ceremonies.

Mr. Phillips enjoyed farming and gardening. At harvest time he enjoyed picking and shelling purple hull peas while watching a good western on TV. He always had an extra five-gallon bucket full of unshelled peas for anyone who came over to visit. However, before you left your bucket was pretty much empty and your fingers were purple from shelling your share.

Mr. Phillips also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, spending time with his family and telling stories about his childhood growing up along the Angelina River, more especially riding horseback on his favorite horse, Trigger. He also enjoyed a good game of Checkers if someone was up to the challenge. Mr. Phillips loved making memories with his grandchildren, fishing with them and taking them riding on his four-wheeler around the neighborhood. He also enjoyed spending time with his best friend and brother in Christ, Brother Lamar Denby. They enjoyed many years together on fishing trips, hunting, camping, and just visiting and drinking coffee.

Mr. Phillips retired from Texas Foundries in Lufkin, Texas with more than 45 years of service. Not only did he work there to provide for his family, but he and his son, Steve, enjoyed roofing houses together as a side job. He also enjoyed working with his hands doing woodwork, carpentry, welding, and mechanic work on cars and lawn mowers. He attended Angelina College where he earned a certificate for Small Engine Repair, Welding, and Blueprint Reading.

Mr. Phillips was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Above all, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his family, and the church. Mr. Phillips was a kindhearted individual who loved helping others who were in need. He was a devoted Christian who dedicated much of his time in prayer to the Lord, and he always gave thanks to God for his family and the many blessings he was able to enjoy in this life. He was well loved by his family, church family, and the community.

Mr. Phillips is survived by his loving wife, Mary Carolyn Phillips; son, Stephen Phillips and wife Melisa of Huntington; daughter, Debbie Denby and husband Jamie of Huntington; daughter, Kathy Willis and husband Stephen of Huntington; grandchildren, James Caleb Denby and fiancée Brittany, Heather Windham and husband Tyler, Christina Adaway and husband Jacob, Savanna Phillips, Dylan Willis, Mayghan Willis, Brianna Willis, and Chloe Montgomery; great-grandchildren, Peyton Adaway, Sloane Windham, Ledger Phillips, Jack Adaway, Brayden Helton, and Aspyn Dickerson; along with several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Virgil Phillips, Glendon “Tip” Phillips, Paul Phillips, Mary Toney, Dollie Modisette, Lindell Phillips, Ray Phillips, and Fannie Beth Phillips; and half-siblings, infant baby girl Nolan, Acie Nolan, and Kizzie Ivy.

Pallbearers will be James Caleb Denby, Dylan Willis, Jacob Adaway, Tyler Windham, Floyce “Runt” Phillips, and Randy Colbert.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Highway Missionary Baptist Church Deacons.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Highway Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 848, Huntington, Texas 75949.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home in Huntington.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Huntington, directors.