Funeral for Thomas Jasper Phillips, 55, of Jacksonville was held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Mount Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Herbert George officiating. Burial followed in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home of Rusk.
Mr. Phillips died of smoke inhalation Sunday morning after the house in which he was living caught fire and he was unable to escape. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Peace Justice Bobby Caveness, Precinct 4.
A second person in the house, Shirley Wink of Oakland is said to have broken a window to escape. She was treated at the site by members of the Newburn Ambulance Service Association.
Jacksonville Fire Chief, Howard Martin says the fire began about 3:45 a.m. Sunday in the living room. Cause has not been determined.
Ms. Wink is said to have awaken and smelled smoke. When she opened the bedroom door, the flames pushed her back. She then broke a window and jumped out of the frame house.
Phillips’ body was found at the foot of the bed.
The house was owned by Ruth Williams of Jacksonville.
Phillips was a native of Rusk and had lived in Jacksonville six years. He was a concrete finisher and a Baptist.
Survivors include two brothers, Corry Phillips and Clyde Phillips of Rusk; a sister, Adelle Parker of Rusk; two step-sons, James Robertson of Tyler and Jerry Robertson of Troup; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Corry Ray Phillips, Curtis Mainer, Richard Bobbitt, Dan Blair, Richard Phillips and Tom Phillips.
Source: The Cherokeean, Rusk, Texas, Thursday, June 23, 1983; Pg. 8
