Burrel J. Phillips Obituary (1917

Burrel J. Phillips, 92, of Russellville, AR, died Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville. The son of A.W. and Mable Elizabeth Grizzle Phillips, he was born May 23, 1917 in Spur, Texas. During World War II, Burrel served in the United States Armys 8th Armored Division, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, A Company as a Rifleman. He served in 3 campaigns in Europe, the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe and was wounded on March 5, 1945 while fighting Germany. He was a highly decorated soldier receiving the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theatre with 3 bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal with Airplane device for the participation in the Berlin Airlift. He also earned the prestigious Combat Infantrymans Badge, 2 overseas Service Bars, 1 Service Stripe. Following WWII, Burrel enlisted in the Air Force, retiring in 1962. He received the Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Award and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He met Marie E. Phillips while on assignment in Germany in 1962. He enjoyed fishing. They married on August 24, 1962. He enjoyed fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Dean, Morris, Paul, Kenneth and Baby Leo Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Marliese (Marie) Phillips, Russellville; 3 brothers, Maston Phillips, Slaton, TX, Stanley Phillips, San Antonio, TX, William Phillips San Anonio, TX; Lynnie Love, Morton, TX, Jonnie Guthrie, Amarillo, TX, Emily West, Abilene, TX. and several special nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be at 11am Tuesday, September 1, 2008 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Burial will be under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home in San Antonio, Texas. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5pm till 7pm at Sunset Funeral Homes, 6321 Bandera Road Location. Local arrangements are by Humphrey Funeral Service. PDF Printable Version