09/16/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Raymond J. Phillips, age 93 of Hempstead, Texas passed away on September 15, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence Wayne and Bertha Mae Phillips, his son Raymond James Phillips, Jr. and his wife Anita Jean Reinhardt Phillips.
Thank you for being here today to honor and remember someone truly special — our Drodrie.
There was no one quite like him. A farmer, a cattleman, a fixer, a storyteller. A man whose hands could mend anything, and whose heart always held his family first. He was our anchor, our laughter, our guide.
Drodrie had a way of turning the simplest moment into a memory worth keeping. He carried stories in his heart and shared them with humor and wit — often as a trickster, always with a twinkle in his eye. You never knew what tale he’d tell next, but you knew it would leave you smiling.
He could fix anything. And I mean anything. Whether it was a broken fence, a busted tractor, or a tangled situation — he’d find a way. Sometimes all he needed was a piece of hay string and those steady hands. His quiet strength reminded us that love doesn’t always come in grand gestures — sometimes it shows up in the everyday, in the doing, in the showing up. And Drodrie always showed up.
He was never without his faithful companion, Rat Dog, by his side. The two of them were inseparable — a pair that showed us what loyalty looks like. If you saw one, you saw the other. And together, they made us laugh, they kept us company, and they reminded us of the simple joys in life.
But above all, Drodrie’s greatest joy was his family. Most importantly the love of his life of 62 years, our sweet Nana. They were a true example of love and devotion. Their marriage stood as a shining testament of faithfulness, perseverance, and the joy of walking through life hand in hand – a true legacy. Together they showed us what it means to honor vows and to build a life of love that inspires generations. He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and gave generously. His presence was a gift — steady, strong, and full of heart. And though we grieve today, we also celebrate. Because Drodrie lived a life filled with purpose, kindness, and resilience.
We will carry his stories, his wisdom, and his love with us always. His legacy is laughter, strength, and love — and it will continue through each of us, through every memory we share, and every lesson he taught us.
There was not another like him. And there never will be.
He is survived by his daughter Cindy L. Baker and husband Keith, sons James M. “Bubba” Phillips and wife Karen, Paul W. Phillips and wife Vicky; grandchildren Kristin Baker, Kaley Baker Council and husband Jonathan, Breanna Phillips Barry and husband Trevor, Kelton and Kade Phillips, P.J. Phillips and wife BreAnna, and Presley Phillips; great grandchildren Pasleigh Mae Phillips, Kaleb Council, Brynn Barry, Wyatt Council, TJ Barry, and Josie Rae Phillips; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation and celebrating his 94th birthday Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 8 – 11am. Services will follow at 11am at Canon Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Dobbs and Pastor Bob Craig officiating. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to Shiloh Cemetery.
[Video Tribute & Guest Book @ www.canonfuneralhome.com]