Rodney Lewis Phillips

Rodney L. Phillips of Dallas, Texas born on April 26, 1948 in Shawnee, Oklahoma “closed his eyes for a few minutes” for the last time on January 28, 2021 from complications related to Alzheimer’s that was diagnosed almost ten years ago.

An outstanding basketball player at Bishop Dunne High School, Rodney’s entrepreneurial talents led him to start Texas Pecan Company in 1979, a family business still thriving in Dallas today. A successful businessman, he believed he worked so he could provide a life for his family and the occasional bass fishing trip for him. His proudest accomplishment in life was his family. Married to his wife Denise for 48 years, his love for her and dedication to their marriage set a tremendous example to his children and others who were in his life. A loving Dad, he showed his children how to unconditionally love through their best and most challenging times. Rodney and Denise created a loving family atmosphere that extended well beyond their children. His nieces, nephews, in-laws, and any of his children’s friends always knew there was a place for them at the Phillips home. However, the family role which he relished the most was when he heard “Hey Grandad.” There was an unbridled joy in him when his grandchildren were in his presence.

Rodney, one of eleven children, was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Jane Phillips and siblings Russell, Ronald, Randall, Judy Calloway, Janet Morgan, and Julie Phillips.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Denise (Giegerich) of Dallas and children Sean (Allison) of Chicago, Michelle Kirkendall (Tim) of Austin, Ryan (Michelle) of Dallas and Sarah Ann of Austin. Also surviving Rodney are his six beloved grandchildren – Joseph and Thomas of Chicago, Azelie Dugas of Dallas, Emma Kinser of Austin, and Christopher Busher and Jack Phillips of Dallas as well as his siblings Jeanie Daniel, Jane Jurden, Joyce McDermott, Robert Phillips and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial for Rodney will be held Monday, May 24, 2021 from 12:00 PM at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Pkwy, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. A committal will occur Monday, May 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220.

In lieu of flowers, the Phillips Family would appreciate consideration of a donation to research at the Alzheimer’s Association where a memorial page in Rodney’s memory has been created – http://act.alz.org/goto/RodneyLPhillips. The family has set up this page to help in the efforts to raise money and awareness to #ENDALZ. We are grateful for all the Alzheimer's Association does. It has been extremely helpful to our family throughout this journey. Thank you in advance for your donation.