Dates
After battling metastatic pancreatic cancer, Phillip Gattis won the war on March 15, 2020 by entering the Kingdom of Heaven as a healed son of God. The war lasted only 5 1/2 weeks and Phillip gave it his all.
He was born on August 18, 1972 in El Paso, TX at Biggs Army Airfield. After spending a brief period of time in Albuquerque, NM, his family moved to Estancia, NM where Phillip enjoyed his younger years while living on a ranch. His family then moved to Dickinson, TX and later, moved to Cisco, TX where Phillip completed his high school education as an honor graduate who was involved in many extracurricular activities. He loved football and while he became a huge fan of Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and the rest of the San Francisco 49ers and the Texas A&M Aggies, Phillip was happiest when watching GOOD football, no matter who was playing the game.
After high school, Phillip became an Airborne Ranger in the United States Army specializing in communications security. His military career took him to all continents except Antarctica and he often spoke fondly of the extraordinary men and women with whom he was privileged to serve. While in South Korea, he served with a group of men who would become brothers and he loved to tell stories about their shenanigans.
Phillip moved back to Eastland County upon leaving the military and in 2002, just one day after his 30th birthday, he met the love of his life, the woman God made for him - Rebecca Bullock. They married on February 25, 2006 in Eastland, TX and they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during one of Phillip’s stays in the hospital. Phillip was a wonderful husband who led his wife in their walk with the Lord. His faith was always strong and he dearly loved all of his family and friends. Phillip was kind, caring, compassionate, loving and accepting of all men and women. He looked down on no one but he did look up to one person – his wife Rebecca, whom he put on a pedestal. Phillip blessed everyone he knew and he was known for his tremendous desire to help others. Phillip’s transition to heaven has left a hole that can never be filled. From his wife, “Until we are together again honey, I love you and I will honor my promise to you to LIVE my life without you.” Phillip is incredibly missed.
Phillip is survived by his wife Rebecca Gattis of San Angelo, his brother Paul Gattis of San Angelo, his mother Caroline Gattis of Cisco, his brother William Gattis of Cisco, his sister Cora Gattis of San Angelo, his sister Malissa Rose of Copperas Cove, and his sister Melody Bohannon of Lockhart. He is also survived by a great number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.
Phillip’s family would like to thank the medical professionals at Shannon Oncology Center and Shannon Medical Center for their kindness and commitment to his fight and his care. Dr. Raj Cheruku accepted Phillip’s decision to fight immediately and stood with him to the end.
A private family celebration of life will be on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at Harper Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask friends and family to join and/or donate to the Tom Green County Relay for Life team that has been created in Phillip’s memory, “Phillip’s Angels”. https://secure.acsevents.org/site/S…