Roll Call Tribute

Lee J. Phillips 

September 21, 1931 - October 26, 2024 

Our strong, wonderful, loving Dad passed into the arms of our Lord and our heavenly family on 10/26/24 at the home of his daughter in Vero Beach, Fl. His family was at his side.

Dad was born September 21, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mattie Thompson and his great-aunt, Miss Estelle Smith. Dad graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949 and attended the Agriculture and Mechanical College of Texas earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating in the Class of ’53.

Dad married Joanne Cochran on August 28, 1953, and in September 1953, began his service as an officer in the U. S. Army Signal Corps. He became an Army Aviator, qualified in fixed and rotary-winged aircraft, and had assignments in Texas, Kansas, and Germany.

Following his military service, Dad went to work for Texas Electric Service Company in Odessa, Texas, then to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas as Assistant Dean of Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering and Management from Oklahoma State University. In 1976 he returned to Texas A&M University College of Engineering, where he earned several teaching awards including the Distinguished Teaching Award in Engineering in 1990. Dad retired as a Senior Lecturer Emeritus in 1992.

In 1980, Mom and Dad were honored by Company E-2 of the A&M Corps of Cadets when they asked Dad and Mom to let Reveille IV retire at their home, the first mascot to be retired in A&M’s history. She was their guest for four years. In 1990, Dad had a “Fish Camp” named for him, a recognition for faculty and staff who have been active in student affairs beyond their basic responsibilities, and in 1995, Dad was chosen to be the Campus Muster Speaker, a signal honor. He was active in the Association of Former Students serving as a Co-class agent for the Class of ’53 and serving on the Association’s Board of Directors 1996-1999.

Dad is preceded by his wife Joanne, his grandmother Mattie Hicks Thompson, his great-aunt Estelle Smith, his mother Allie Mary Thompson Phillips who passed away shortly after Dad’s birth, his father Lee James Phillips, his uncle and aunt Calvin and Florence Thompson, and his daughter Deborah Phillips.

He is survived by his daughter Lee Anne (Debbie Kelcey), son John Calvin, grandson Jaime Brandon, great grandson Tyler James, and his cousin Roy Wayne Thompson and family. Dad was blessed to renew his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Greer, and is survived by her and her family, as well as the H. Ray Smith family, and Dr. David Campbell and family.

Dad was thankful for his many friends, students who stayed in touch with him over the years, and classmates, many of whom he has known since grade school.

We are forever grateful to Dr. Bob Hust, Dr. Kennon Wigley, and Laura Pugh APRN for their wonderful care for our Dad that allowed us to have many additional years with him.

To Derek Reese (Vero Beach, Fl) and Janece Mesick(Bryan, Texas), there are no words to express our thanks for your loving care for Dad and assisting our family in caring for him. You made it possible for Dad to remain home with us.