Phillip David Udouj

Phillip David Udouj, 79 of Fort Smith, AR. passed away peacefully and surrounded by Carrie, Courtney and friends at his home on March 19, 2023. Phil was born to the late Herman Joseph and Irene Cecilia (Cook) Udouj, he grew up in Fort Smith with his three sisters and brother. After graduating from St. Anne’s Academy, he was a sales rep for his father’s company Riverside Furniture. This job took him many places, while traveling and working in Milwaukee, WI. two friends’ set him up on a date with Susie McFetridge. Susie was a stewardess for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, MN. They fell in love, and she followed him back to Fort Smith, AR to begin a life together in 1969. Together they had two daughters Aimee and Carrie.

In the early 70’s Phils father started the development of Fianna Hills and then proceeded to build Fianna Hill’s Country Club, Phil became the president and general manager of the family-owned business for 37 years. Phil loved to golf and won many trophies and tournaments over the years while teaching others the passion of the game. He also enjoyed duck hunting and showing off his many water-skiing tricks such as barefoot skiing and standing on his cousin’s shoulders as they skied.

In the early 80’s Phil became a Pro Bass fisherman. Him and his partner Grayson Tobler were the winners of the 1984 U.S. Bass World Team Championship at Truman Lake. They each received a fully rigged Ranger bass boat with a trailer. He proceeded to win many more tournaments and many more skeeter and ranger boats. Phil always loved old cars and hot rods, he had over 70 cars in his lifetime. The faster and louder the better was the way for Phil! This passion lead him into partnership with Lynn Grant in 1990, Phil sponsored Lynn’s IMCA modified they called it Grant and Udouj racing. Soon after sponsorship Phil wanted to be in the driver seat. He got back together with a childhood friend J.V. Brotherton, they started drag racing together when they were teenagers. J.V. and his two sons, Jeff and Greg helped Phil get back into racing again. They had so much fun together which lead Phil to win the Paris Quick 8 with his tube chassis “88 trans am” with a 440 cubic inch small block chevy, the might mouse was filled with a one-off injector from brodex known as the armadilla. Phil wasn’t done there, he decided he wanted a dragster; he had a beautiful black dragster built by the Tin Man. He preceded to win many races until he had five bypasses and Susie said you’re done.

To pass by the time Phil started playing poker at Cherokee Casino in Roland. He won the local tournament for the buy in for the World Series poker tournament in Las Vegas, they paid for his 10k buy in and he went with the team Cherokee Poker. He had a great two days and almost made it to the money table.

Phil’s bucket list was over flowing and he did everything he wanted to and everything he did he was the best. He was a legend to his family. Phil spent the rest of his years making memories with his family at his log home on Table Rock Lake. After Susie passed, Phil found the Rowdy Beaver in Eureka Springs, where he gained another family, he made many wonderful memories with.

Phil is survived by his daughters Carrie and husband Courtney Wright, Aimee and husband Jason Branch, grandchildren Hayley, Drake, Boyd, Beck, one great grandchild Phoenix, sisters Mary Udouj, Ellen and husband Walter Echols and Ann Udouj.

He is preceded in death by his wife Susie, parents Herman and Irene, and brother Ronnie Udouj.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Methodist Assisted living in Fort Smith, for all the love and care they gave Phil in his last years.

A Memorial Mass for Phil will be Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fort Smith.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edwards-funeralhome.com for the Udouj family.