Bonham, Texas -- It is with equal parts sorrow and banter that we celebrate the life and announce the passing of Rocky Phillips, 74, of Bonham, whose green thumb was rivaled only by his knack for overfeeding his koi and listening to the same 3-4 tranquil bands a little too loudly on his beloved back porch (his “veranda”, if you will).
Rocky left us peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved him and whom he loved maybe as much as he loved his koi pond, his flourishing (if occasionally overzealous) garden, and the gentle herd of deer who frequent his backyard like they own the place. Rocky was well-known for his tender care of these graceful visitors, keeping them fed with corn and hen scratch, and the occasional stern lecture when they wandered too quickly to Pecan St. If you are a frequent Pecan St. driver, you may have experienced a finger wagging or two if you drive too fast. Watch for his self-installed Pig Branch sign to know when to watch for them to cross.
Born and raised in McAllen, TX, Rocky adopted Bonham as his hometown in his early twenties. Almost immediately after arrival, Rocky met and married Judy, his wife of 51 years, and spent his years in Bonham raising a family and cultivating a business based on his love for all things agriculture. Many will remember him from 20 plus years at Caudle and McGuire, where his education in the ag business led to building his own business, Genetic Seed turned Americas Seed and; Belting, which thrives today.
Rocky’s life wasn’t just about the ag business and loving his plants, though; it was about planting joy. He had a way of making people laugh with just a knowing expression and a twinkle in his eye that suggested he knew something the rest of us didn’t. (He probably did.)
In his later years, Rocky found joy in the simple pleasures—a small glass of wine in hand, taking in the peaceful view of his well-loved piece of God’s country. His easy, contented way of living was something quietly inspiring to all who knew him.
Rocky was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Phillips (née Skidmore) of Telephone and McAllen, and Ike Phillips of McAllen.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, who affectionately tolerated his obsession with growing tomatoes and the innumerable batches of lemons and limes; his children, Doug Phillips and Pharrah Blackwood (née Phillips), who inherited his business sense and his love of wine (respectively); five grandchildren, six great grandchildren; brothers Robert, John and Chris and sister Linda, and a yard full of deer who Judy will look after with the same level of devotion.
Watch for her wagging finger on Pecan St. Rocky’s family wishes to thank Hospice Plus of Sherman for their gentle care, kind conversations, and professional yet personal attention to Rocky’s and the family’s needs in the final weeks, along with his cats Finnley - who supervised the whole operation leaving his side only to dutifully check on the yard and the pond, and Taryn – who broke from her introverted mold to speak (loudly and lavishly) to everyone and offer love blinks. We also thank Wise Funeral Home for caring for him and the family in handling the private arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant something in Rocky’s honor or leave a treat for a passing deer. He would have liked that.
Rest easy, Rocky. May your heavenly garden always be lush, your koi be lively, and your deer well-fed and appreciative. And as “Rock” always said, you gotta remember now . . . Hydrogen Peroxide.
