Obituary

Michael Le Ron Phillips, 67, of Houston, Texas, passed away at Memorial Hermann City Medical Center, Houston, Texas, on March 13, 2025. Michael was born on April 24, 1957, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Richard Columbus and Leola Mae Black Phillips raised Michael from infancy as their son.

He attended McLain High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma and was enthusiastic about his role as flight attendant at Southwest Airlines, working for the company for over 25 years.

Michael was one of the Founding Members of The Potters Smile Inc., the only 501c3 in the United States that addresses the dental issues associated with Sickle Cell Disease. Michael served as Sergeant at Arms of the Potters Smile and Vice President of Westchase Financial Services. He held an insurance license and was a Chief Insurance agent for Westchase Financial and a Regional Agent for Invidia Financial Services.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, cousins Ravin Caldwell Sr., Fonda Caldwell, and Aline Howard.

He is survived by his bonus siblings David, Donald, Shelia, Tulsa, OK and Mark Phillips, bonus niece Dr. Leah R. Phillips, and his special cousins, Earl Thomas, (Renee), Riverdale, GA, Special Cousin Virgil Black (Lee), Shreveport, LA, Charlene Coleman, Bivins, TX, Felisha Coleman, Fort Worth, TX, Stepffon Coleman, Kuwait, Osborn Howard, Bivins, TX, Richard Caldwell (Jo), Auburn, AL, Ravin Caldwell Jr. (DeAnna), Laurel, MD, Philbrick Caldwell (Vanessa), Ft. Smith, AR, Belinda Caldwell Washington, Felicia Caldwell Green and cousin Jerrie Smith (Don), Tuscola, TX and a host of relatives and friends.

Michael’s enduring kindness, generosity, and heartfelt dedication to improving the lives of others will forever be cherished. His work with The Potters Smile Inc. and his contributions to financial services stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference. Though he has left this earthly realm, his spirit lives on through the memories and love shared by all who knew him.

Linda Chandler, Michael’s landlord, along with her son Lionel and daughter Tracey, who is Michael’s best friend and colleague, accepted Michael as a member of their family and he was cherished by all of them.

Michael Phillips’ family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hermann City Medical Center, Houston, Texas, for their loving care and support.

Memorials may be made to The Potters Smile at www.thepotterssmile.org or to a charity of your preference.

Mr. Phillips was laid to rest at Memorial Club Cemetery in Depew, Oklahoma, on May 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.