After 94 years, my Granddaddy, Dr. BB Phillips, passed on this past Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006.
Everyone has been asking me how things went this week. I keep answering with "It was wonderful!" and it really was. Lot's of laughter, tears, and good remembrances. I don't know if the funeral home director just says this to everyone, but his comment to us after the funeral was "I've been doing funerals for 31 years and I have never seen more heartfelt accolades as I have today." Here are a couple of them...
Mine:
I want to thank you all for coming. I really don't quite feel worthy- or perhaps qualified- to speak for my family about my grandfather- it's been 22 years since I've lived here in Brownsville, and I just don't have the sustained, recent intimacy, the number of stories, or the story-telling ability of so many in my family. But I just don't think they're going to be able make it up here today.
But let me tell you what I do know.
First, Grandaddy was as strong as an ox. I can remember being a scrawny little teenager helping him bail hay out on the ranch, desperately trying to move around these 100 lb bails of hay, when he'd quitely wander over and effortlessly toss them up on a pile that seemed 3 stories high.
But despite being strong as an ox, he was always gentle as the proverbial lamb.
He also always seemed absolutely fearless. He never seemed to think twice about jumping in some little pen with the biggest bull you ever saw. And if you've never heard Rich's famous Snake & Shovel story, or the time with the Uncaged Lion, then you've really got to ask.
But while he always seemed fearless, he was a man of unparalleled humility. He was never about himself. I can't think of any time that self-pride was ever displayed by him.
Now Granddaddy was not a man of many words. So, when he spoke, people listened- both because he probably had something quite thoughtful to say, and because he had simply the best subtle wit.
While he was not a man of many words, he was a man of action/hard work/responsibility. I learned an awful lot working with him around the ranch that I still use in some fashion- by building barns, sinking fence posts, stringing barbed wire.
If, as I believe, God has put us here in part to build our character and prepare us for the work in his next creation, Grandaddy his no doubt raring to go.
I'm particularly grateful, however, for his Faith. What a blessing his faith has been to his family and, no doubt, all of you. I bet if he were proud of something, it would be that every family member close to him believes in the God and Father who created this amazing universe and in His Son, our Master through whom He created it. More importantly, they all love God and, at least try hard to love their neighbors, and want to bless this world by their presence and actions.
And I'm so thankful that this blessing of faith has extended to the husbands and wives of his daughter and grandchildren. I know my Dad, in particular, connects so much of his faith to the grace of God working through his father-in-law. What a wonderful man!
This world is a troubled place- it really always has been. But it has been a better place for having Doc Phillips here.
Thank you again for coming.
My Brother's:
Barclay Bernard Phillips was the epitome of what every man should be. He had more strength, wisdom and compassion than anyone I've ever known. My Grandfather was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He also had a great sense of humor. His witty quips and one-liners are something I already desperately miss. My Grandfather loved his family (blood and church families). We love him and will never forget him.
Sincerely, his Grandson,
Richard Barclay Parker
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