Philip Roger Wilbanks, 82, of Floydada, Texas, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025 in Chapin, South Carolina.
Philip was born June 19, 1942 in Lubbock, Texas to William and Elsie Wilbanks. He graduated from Lubbock High School in 1960. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for six years. He fought in Vietnam on the USS Hornet. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal as well the National Defense medal. His military service was a point of great pride and a time in his life he held very dear. He was often seen wearing his U.S. Navy ball cap with great honor. He was active in the local VFW.
Later, he went on to graduate from Wayland Baptist University in 1976. Philip served in the Lubbock Police Department and ultimately went on to retire from Farmers Insurance after 37 years of employment in Lubbock and Floydada.
He was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Floydada, Texas. where he served as lector and greeter, serving on the parish council as well as the finance committee. He was a member of Knights of Columbus for many years. He was also involved in his local Living Water Emmaus community. Philip served as Old Settlers president for a time.
Philip was an avid woodworker, and his beautifully crafted trains could often be seen on display in his office and featured in local craftsman competitions. His love of the outdoors was evident in the pride he took in his yard as well as his love for camping and hiking in Quitaque Canyon and Buffalo Springs Lake. For a while, Philip was becoming an avid photographer and produced some beautiful photos of his family. Of all of Philip’s interests, his cell phone became his passion! If you knew him, you likely received dozens of phone calls from him. Even in his last days, he would be found fast asleep with his cell phone in hand. This was a way for him to keep in touch and express love for his family and friends across the globe. A few memories of Philip include his pride in his work, military service and hobbies, playing the piano, dancing and being silly, his unending phone calls, his impressive collection of things in his shed, long skinny legs that went on for days, and most importantly the fervent love for his family.
After moving to Floydada in 1992, he met Jo Bryant and married her on March 19, 1994. She passed away in July 2023. They enjoyed their church community and serving together. Their beautiful yard was a focal point, and they enjoyed spending time together outside swinging or just sitting. He shared three daughters, Leslie, Christy and Candice with his second wife, Brenda Edge. They resided in Lubbock, Texas. He shared two sons, Bill and Monty, also of Lubbock, with his first wife, Mary Francis.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jo and stepdaughter Paula, and his former wives, Brenda and Mary.
He is survived by his sister, Margot, as well as his sons, Bill and Monty and his wife Sheila; his daughters, Leslie, Christy and her husband Mark, and Candice and her husband Tony, as well as his stepdaughter, Nila and her husband Jack; his 17 grandchildren, Johnny, Michael, Cody, Kaci, Megan, Ross, Morgan, Max, Joshua Philip, Joel, Jaci, Matthew, Caden Philip, Nate, Leah, Gavin and Hollis along with 10 great-grandkids, Abby, Brett, Kingston, Axel, River, Elliot, Janie, Adeline, Charlotte, and Elijah Philip, as well as Cody, Johnathan, Brian, Katie, Jesse, Dale, and Emma and 5 step-great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Memorial will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church (309 S. Wall Street) with Father Angelo Consemino and Father Thomas presiding.
Reception and visitation will be held at The Combine in Slaton, Texas, after mass at 7 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2024.