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Obituary for Charles Randall "Randy" Phillips
Charles Randall (Randy) Phillips, age 68, left this world for his heavenly home on August 29, 2021 in Tyler, Texas. Randy was born to Earl and Geneva Phillips on January 12, 1953 in Tyler Texas. He was the middle of three children, and he enjoyed growing up around the family grocery store (Phillips Food Store) off of East Erwin. He attended John Tyler High School and played football for them until he graduated in 1971. He then he furthered his education by attending TSTI in Waco, Texas. He had a passion for designing and building. However, after earning a degree in construction development, the Arab Embargo of 1973 left little opportunity in his field.
On October 5, 1973, he married the love of his life, Susan Lynn Bickerdike. He was then offered a position as an understudy to a school photographer. In the next few years, while mastering the art of photography, Randy and Sue became a family of four with sons Benjamin and Matthew. He built a very successful business of “Phillips Photography” from 1981 until his retirement in 2015. During his career he served so many of the East Texas school districts. He also served the Tyler Symphony League and photographed countless weddings and family portraiture. He made many life-long friends and never met a stranger.
During the final chapter of his life he enjoyed spending time with his Grand “Sugars,” Skylar, Micah, and Scarlett. Skylar, being the oldest, gave him the name “Gree” because “Grandy” was too difficult to say. He enjoyed teaching them how to fish and play card games. Gathering eggs from Gree’s chicken coop was always a treat. He loved watching and hearing about all aspects of their lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Geneva Phillips, and his brother Billy Earl Phillips. He is survived by his wife and best friend Susan Bickerdike Phillips, his son Benjamin Phillips and family; Kacey, Skylar, and Micah, and his son Matthew Phillips and family; Jessica and Scarlett. He is also survived by his sister Cindy Phillips Stokes.
We welcome friends and family to join us at Randy’s Memorial Service to be held on Thursday, September 9th at New Life Worship Center 18535 Highway 69 South, Tyer, Texas. His celebration of life will begin at 6 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be: James Smith, Jimmy Taylor, Jim Bickerdike, Randy Bettes, Tony Bickerdike, Zeb Phillips, Clint Phillips, Michael Phillips, and Fred McWhorter.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to The King’s Storehouse Food Bank, 422 East Oakwood Street, Tyler, Texas 75702.
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Belinda Kelley (Kromer)
From emails to the JT Class family:
Dear Class Family,
I just wanted to pass on the latest on our Randy's services. There will be a memorial for Randy on Thursday, September 9th at 6pm at New Life Worship Center. The address for the church is:
18535 Highway 69 South
Tyler, TX 75703
P: (903) 871-8700
I will send more details as I get them but wanted you all to be able to put it on your calendar.
God bless you always! Love you all very much!
Belinda Kelley Kromer
Dear Class family,
I am searching for the words as my heart is totally shattered. Our precious friend Randy Phillips earned his eternal angel wings suddenly last night, Sunday, August 29, 2021. I was waiting on word from the family before sending this email but some word had gotten out through social media and so I was told to please let everyone know. The plans for his service are still being determined and I will update as I get them.
It is a shock for all of us who have heard and of course, everyone is asking what happened. So without a lot of detail and without sending you misinformation, I will just share what I was told. Randy had several health issues contributing to a weakened physical heart. He would never let anyone know if he was feeling bad or had issues. His focus was always on everyone else. The health challenges were just too much for Randy's heart. He collapsed at his home and after taking him to the ER, he got his trip to his eternal home. All of us who knew Randy well, knew he had the biggest most loving heart anyone could ask for and would do anythimg for any one of us. That heart of Randy's had big jobs to do!
I can't imagine our reunion without him or any other class gathering because we were so much a part of his life and he was all of ours. He loved us all beyond words and worked so hard to make sure the word got out for each event so that no one would be left out. For those who don't know, Randy was the sugar and spice of all our reunion planning meetings. He would enter the room and before sitting down would walk around to each of us and give us the greatest hugs and the kindest words. I won't lie, we had to reign him in on many occasions too but in a wonderful way. The laughter he would generate would bring tears and gasps for breath. He was our class skit entertainment for many past reunions and would have been again in October... the plans were in progress for who knows what! He made sure we got our class group pictures made at each reunion. I can't even list all the ways he loved us and worked for our class. So it's truly a loss for JT Class of 1971 family, his wife, Sue, kids, grand sugars, his brother from another mother, James Smith, and of course all his other friends whose lives he touched. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.
I will send an update when I have the details for the service! Please stay safe! Remember God has a plan for each of us and as hard as today may seem with this news, the heavens are certainly celebrating! No one is promised tomorrow, so we have to live and love each other to the fullest.
God bless you all always,
Love you!
Belinda Kelley Kromer
A memory I just couldn't resist... my most favorite class clown! RIP Precious Friend!