Jerry Randall Phillips

Jerry Randall Phillips of Lavaca, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his home. He was born on August 14, 1945, in Altus, Arkansas, to the late Roy Carter Phillips and Lessie Mae (Patterson) Phillips. He was 80 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Virginia Holmes, Phyllis Evans, and Pauline Phillips; and three brothers, Roy Phillips, Wayne Phillips, and Doyle Phillips.

Jerry graduated from Altus High School as valedictorian, Class of 1964. Upon graduation, Jerry went to work for Fred Stuart Company in June of 1964. He was hired by Mr. Stuart, starting out changing flats and greasing trucks, eventually working his way up to swamper. Jerry started out at $1.20 per hour working all the over-time he could get. While supporting and taking care of his crippled mother, Jerry dedicated himself to Fred Stuart Company, working 7 days a week, countless hours a day.

In 1987, Jerry established Phillips Trucking. Jerry Phillips never expected his employees to do a job without him always outworking them. He loved pheasant hunting, making yearly hunts to South Dakota with the guys. He was an avid duck, pheasant, and quail hunter. Jerry also was an avid skeet/clay shooter, part owner in racehorses, and gambler, which he greatly enjoyed.

Jerry gave from his heart and never expected anything in return. Jerry and Debra shared a wonderful life for 25 years, standing strong in their faith. His love for his children and grandchildren ran deeply. Jerry had a passion for smoking those special ribs and other foods, and for feeding others. Delivering ribs at Christmas to so many was his gift to others. “Having To Helps” was an old saying by Jerry which literally meant, “Helping Benefits The Helper.” Jerry was a member of Enterprise Free Will Baptist Church, located northeast of Lavaca.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 24th at Lavaca First Baptist Church, with Bro. Buddy Corbell and Bro. Terry Scott officiating. A private family graveside service will follow at Nichols Chapel Cemetery in Altus, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by Debra Rider Phillips; four children, Mark Phillips and Cora of Lavaca, Megan Phillips Montez and Robert of Fort Smith, Melissa Real and Mike of Fort Smith, and Jeff Phillips of Fort Smith; a step-son, Daniel Moulder and Josephine of Alma; a step-daughter, Jennifer Howard and Shawn of Muldrow, Oklahoma; a brother, Garland Phillips of Tulsa, Oklahoma; (14) grandchildren; and (1) great-granddaughter.

Pallbearers are Dale Willroth, John Wood, John Foxx, Wendell Holmes, Mike Knittig, and George Moschner.

Honorary pallbearers are Chip Chronister, Dane Douglas, Larry Balch, Jerry Bias, Bob Willroth, Rick Whittacker, Dusty Willroth, Robert Montez, Allen King, Mark Allen, Steve Hurst, and Willard Holmes.

The family will visit with friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23rd at the funeral home.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.