Murl Gene Phillips

Murl Gene Phillips, 89, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was born on January 7, 1936, in Holland, Arkansas, to Noah Henry Phillips and Eva Phillips. Murl was a passionate Razorbacks fan and lived his life by the motto, “Ain’t no biggie.” He retired from Baldor and after retiring, worked at Choctaw Casino and was known there as Mighty Murl.

Murl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Phillips; his son, Tommy Phillips; his brother, James Phillips; and his sister, Dorothy Stephens.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Ronnie Phillips Sr. and wife Nannice of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his daughter, Melissa Garner of Mount Pleasant, Texas; grandchildren Angela, Lalisa, Ronnie Jr., Amberly, Brittany, T.C., and Cheyenne; a large extended family in Conway, Arkansas; and two boys who were like sons to him, Tim Bowers and Jacky Smith, both of Fort Smith.

Murl was loved by many and he will be truly missed.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. A funeral service to celebrate Murl’s life will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home. Murl will be laid to rest in a private burial at Oak Cemetery.