Felix Paul Phillips' Obituary
Felix Paul Phillips Jr. was born in Waco, Texas on March 6, 1940. He was the second of eleven children born to the late Mr. Felix Paul Phillips Sr. and Mrs. Cordella Gracie (Shores) Phillips. A graduate of A.J. Moore High School (Waco, Texas – Class of 1958), Felix excelled in both math and science. He began his college studies at the University of Texas in Austin; then completed his studies at Prairie View A&M University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in 1964. Two months after graduating from Prairie View, Felix married his long-time friend and classmate Ella Pearl Gregory on June 6, 1964. Later that year, the couple moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Felix began employment with Motorola, Inc. In 1968, Felix accepted a position with Texas Instruments (TI) and relocated with his wife to Dallas. While at Texas Instruments, Felix was an engineering program manager and was instrumental in the development and execution of many government defense engineering projects. After a 25 year career with TI, he retired in 1994 to enter the family trade of concrete construction. Felix worked with the same tenacity and perfection he learned from his father. His passion for consistency and excellence was displayed in his work. While Felix excelled in his career and later became a well respected concrete construction contractor, his primary focus was serving God and he valued being a devoted husband and father. He exemplified a true Christian lifestyle and shared the gospel with those he came across in his daily life. He was a model of strength, faith, and self-sacrifice. He mentored and counseled his children and was an inspiration to those outside of his home. Soon after moving to Dallas, Felix and Ella Pearl became active members of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church where Felix served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, sang in the Crusaders Male Chorus, and was active in the United Methodist Men’s Group. In 2005, Felix and Ella Pearl joined the North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship family. After joining, Felix became an active member of the Men in Worship Choir, lead facilitator of the Brotherhood of the Cup Men’s Group and an involved member of the Deacon Board. He was also honored to be an esteemed member of the “Pastor’s Prayer Circle”. Felix was quiet spoken at times, but loved loudly. This was evident in the way he attended to the needs and care of his beloved Ella Pearl until her passing in 2009. Felix was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 10, 2010. He leaves to cherish his legacy a son, Gregory Paul Phillips (Theresa); daughter Tamara Joi Phillips Parnell (Fred); grandson Christopher John-Morgan Phillips; granddaughter Micaela Grace Nichole Phillips; three brothers – Charles Phillips, Sr.; Rev. Dr. Aaron Phillips; Lenon Phillips; six sisters – Ruby Lee Alexander (Charles); Bobbie Jean Shelton; Peggy Ann Scott; Velma Campbell; Zelma Turner; and Billie Phillips, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
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