Joe Bradford Phillips was born on October 8, 1943 to Willie Bradford and Sarah Phillips in Sulphur Springs, Texas. When Joe was 2, the family moved to Carrizo Springs where he spent his childhood. After high school in Carrizo Springs, Joe earned his Bachelor degree and teaching certificate from East Texas State University, working at the Lions Club Camp for handicapped children during his summers at ET. Joe taught school in Gladewater, Odessa, Eagle Pass and Carrizo Springs. He was a dedicated, patient teacher; well liked and respected by his students. Joe left the teaching profession to work for Tesoro Petroleum in 1974.

Joe married Ann McNeil Knox in May of 1982 in San Antonio where they made their home. After his time at Tesoro Petroleum Corp, Joe went to work for Diamond Shamrock in Lubbock. In 1990, Joe became the general manager of Western Marketing's Lubbock Division; then in 1995, Joe was the territory sales manager for Citgo Petroleum Corp. In 1998, he became the general manager of Griffin Oil Company, retiring from Griffin Oil in October 2017.

Joe loved the Lord and his family. He was active in his church's prayer ministry and studied his Bible regularly. Joe loved hunting and fishing, especially with his grandson, Josiah. He was an avid supporter of gun rights. Joe was passionate about bird hunting and was a crack wing shooter. He was delighted in passing on his hunting skills and knowledge to his nephew, Phillip Forster and later to his beloved grandson, Josiah. When hunting was not possible, Joe loved to fish –a competitive fisherman- especially when fishing with his mother or his brother, Jerry. Humble pie was frequently served by his mother when she would catch more fish from the water's bank using a cane pole and bobber rig, while Joe cruised around in his bass boat employing the latest fishing paraphernalia.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister Frances Forster.

Joe leaves his wife, Ann; daughter, Sarah (Harim Stanislas); Kevin Knox (Leigh) of Keller, Texas; Caroline (Phillp Owens) of Elgin, Texas; Todd Knox (Paula) of Elgin, Texas; a brother Jerry Phillips, of Athens, Texas; a nephew Phillip Forster (Jill) of San Antonio; a niece Dona Calcote (Stanley) of Hammond, Louisiana and other nieces and nephews. Joe loved his grandsons, Josiah Phillips, Tyler Knox and all his grandchildren. A private family memorial will be held to honor Joe's life. Memorials may be made to Cross View Christian Camp in Dickens, Texas or to a charity of your choice.