James Ryan "Bubba" Phillips

1927 ∼ 2019

J.R. “Bubba” Phillips, 91, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on May 9, 2019, at Oakwood Manor Nursing Home in Vidor, Texas.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Officiating will be Pastor “Big Jim” Salles with burial to follow at China Cemetery, China, Texas.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2019 at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Beaumont.

Born in Silsbee, Texas, on August 20, 1927, he was the son of Garnett Franklin Phillips and Olga Mae Bennett.

He served in the US Navy during World War II working on a LCVP Higgins Boat. Upon his return from the war, he worked for Santa Fe Railroad as a fireman, along with working for Sabine Towing as a deckhand. Rounding out his work career with the City of Beaumont where he retired as a fireman. J.R. enjoyed playing the harmonica, loved working with cattle and had his own shrimp boat. J.R.’s favorite past time was witnessing and ministering to people.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and mother of his children Dorothy Phillips, his daughter Verle “Margie” Trevino, and his sister Dorothy Samaha.

He is survived by his spouse, Elsie Mae Phillips of Beaumont; his sons, Daniel Stone Phillips and wife Barbara of Conroe, Texas; James Brady Phillips of Beaumont, Texas and one daughter Tobie Leigh Heufelder and husband Don of Mesa, Arizona. Grandchildren, Brandy Erin Fry, Frank Edward Trevino, Jr., Angela Jean Mitchell, Daniel Wayne Trevino, Kristin Elizabeth Wukasch, Ryan Paul Heufelder, Clayton Merrette Heufelder and Kelly Garnett Phillips; 9 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, and his sister Sudie Phillips David of Silsbee, Texas.

Condolences

Chris O’Dell March 13, 2025
I recall spending time with Bubba and his wonderful family as a kid growing up in Beaumont. He and our dad worked at BFD where they both retired. Many, many fond memories spending birthdays and picnics with his family. Rest in Peace Bro. Phillips! Thank you for your service and being a great friend to our family.
Anonymous May 13, 2019
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of James Ryan "Bubba" Phillips.
Anonymous May 13, 2019
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of James Ryan "Bubba" Phillips.
Mike Amason May 12, 2019
I know that J R read God's word every day. I know because he always wanted to talk about what he had just read. It didn't matter what he had been reading, he always had J R's commentary about the subject. Most of the time, he was spot on. I guess that by now he has asked Jesus about the End Of Time prophecies. That was one of his favorite subjects to discuss.
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Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 North 11th Street, Beaumont, 77702
directions Get Directions
schedule Monday, May 13, 2019 at 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

event Funeral Service

location_on Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 North 11th Street, Beaumont, 77702
directions Get Directions
schedule Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

event Burial

location_on China Cemetery, China
directions Get Directions
schedule Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM