(Clifton) Raymond Phillips

Clifton Raymond Phillips, 84, of Port Neches, died Saturday, July 9, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Texarkana, TX to Jesse and Susan Phillips on November 9, 1926. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Upon discharge he attended and graduated from Baylor University in Waco, TX and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Raymond was an ordained minister and pastored churches in Texas and Arkansas and worked many years for the Baptist Standard.In 1994, after retiring, Raymond moved to Port Neches, TX. There he married Cleo Weldon Collins and they enjoyed many happy years together traveling and working in the ministries at their church, Procter Baptist. He also enjoyed hobbies of fishing and golf. Raymond was loved by so many and was able to touch the lives and hearts of others through his infectious personality. His way with people was a special gift. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joyce Cranke Phillips, his sisters Ruth Young and Mildred Wood, and daughter Debbie Collins Parker.Survivors include his wife, Cleo Collins Phillips, brother Jesse Phillips Nina of Arkadelphia, Arkansas 4 sons Ray Richelle of Burleson TX, David Debbie of Fouke, Arkansas, Doug Anita of Austin, TX, and Bryan Collins Dana of Port Neches, TX 3 daughters, Jeanie Phillips of Fort Worth, TX, Terri Messer Bret of Fort Worth, TX, and Sharon Walton Critt of Beaumont, TX 17 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.Raymond will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank all the medical professionals who took such a personal interest in him through his illness. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 3:00 pm followed by a memorial celebration at 4:00 pm at Procter Baptist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the We Care Ministry at Procter Baptist Church, Port Arthur, TX or the American Cancer Society.