JOE LOUIS PHILLIPS
Mr. Joe Louis Phillips, 82, a long-time resident and dedicated community leader of Groesbeck, Texas, passed away on October 3, 2018. He was the youngest son of the late Haywood and Mary (Burris) Phillips of Groesbeck, and was a descendant of Kelo Phillips and Sia Phillips, who are recognized among the first families of Limestone County.
Mr. Phillips and his loving wife of 58 years, Gloredia Tipps Phillips, raised three daughters Damita (Michael Brassfield, I), twins Paula (deceased) and Patrice (Herman Houston, Jr.), and three sons, Joe (Kasandra), Greg (deceased) (Delisha), and Sharles “Chuck” (Rachel Garcia). He was a devoted and passionate family man, and he deeply enjoyed every moment shared with his wife, children, and grandchildren (Micah, Michael, II, Kristen, Joe Christopher, II, and Kye Jordan).
His childhood ambition was to get into the agriculture business and to utilize the family farm, which has been in his family for 136 years. He was a rancher and a cowboy, through and through, and he took immense pride in caring for his land. As a life-long resident of Groesbeck, he cultivated many friendships, and most mornings, he could be found at the local Breakfast Barn, engaging in the most riveting of discussions, while catching up with the closest of friends.
Mr. Phillips was proudly raised in the Groesbeck community and attended school in Groesbeck ISD. He attended Blackshear High School, and upon graduation in 1954, he attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Physical Education.
During, and well after his own children’s time attending Groesbeck schools, he and Mrs. Phillips could frequently be found attending nearly any activity in which the Fightin’ Goats were present. He constantly sought to support all of the children of the Groesbeck community, recognizing that current and future generations represent the promise of success and progress for today and tomorrow.
Mr. Phillips was a faithful Prince Hall Freemason for approximately 60 years. In that time, he served as a Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas District Deputy Grandmaster, as well as multiple terms as Worshipful Master of Judah Lodge #547. In October, 2014, he was instrumental in the re-chartering of Judah Lodge #547 and returned to service, mentoring a younger generation of men to carry on the crafts work.
Mr. Phillips was a vibrant and heartfelt supporter of Limestone Medical Center, appointed to serve on its Board on May 21, 1996. As a newly appointed member of the Board, ultimately serving 22 years until his passing, Mr. Phillips was instrumental in not only helping LMC recover from the threat of closing, but was thrilled to play an integral role in the construction of the new Hospital and Clinic, with the state-of-theart equipment needed to better serve the residents of Limestone County and the surrounding area.
Mr. Phillips proudly served his country in the United States Army as an E-3 (Private First Class) in the 4th Army, 16th Artillery Battalion, during the Korean War and Berlin Crisis. He served from 1958-1961 and was with Fire Direction Company, M.O.S. 140-60. Upon his honorable discharge from the U. S. Army, he began a career as a History teacher and coach, molding and shaping young lives, and after 13 years in the public school system, he retired and worked several years with Limestone County Road & Bridge.
Because Mr. Phillips was not one to sit still in retirement, he engaged in his love of farming and ranching until the end of his life’s journey, but of all the lifelong commitments, accomplishments, and the things that represented him most, Mr. Phillips was a Godfearing, Christian man, a devout and tireless servant of the Head Branch Baptist Church, who dedicated his life to the ministry and preservation of his church. It was at this church that he answered God’s final call home, and Mr. Phillips was always careful to, and would be adamant now, about giving the honor, the glory, and the praise to God for a long life well lived.
Memorials may be made to any of the following: Head Branch Baptist Church, Groesbeck Church of Christ, American Heart Association, Groesbeck ISD Scholarship Fund, Limestone County Historical Commission, Limestone Medical Center, Groesbeck Maffett Public Library, or any of your local churches or favorite charities.